ORGANISERS of a scheme to help elderly and isolated people in Portishead are looking for volunteers to hold an afternoon tea at their homes.

The scheme is part of a national project called Contact the Elderly in which people open up their homes and provide a tea and cake for senior citizens who find it difficult to get out and see other people.

Councillor Reyna Knight who is one of the people heading up the project in Portishead said: “We aim to organise an afternoon tea party one Sunday afternoon each month, but are not looking for people to host 12 a year. We are looking for a rota of six or more volunteers willing to provide tea once or twice a year.”

Residents are being urged to sign up to the project so that it can begin this spring.

Cllr Knight added: “Life can get pretty miserable for those who can’t get out who become isolated and this scheme could really provide a lifeline for them.”

Anyone willing to give up a few hours of their time to help the project should contact Renya on 01275 849997 or Helen Van Laun on 846514.

People aged over 75 can also call these numbers to register for the scheme.