FOR some pensioners living alone, old age means being stuck in their homes for days on end with no-one to talk to.

For the past 35 years, the Oxford branch of the national charity Contact the Elderly has been trying to make a difference by taking a group of elderly people to tea once a month.

Now organiser Sheila Glazebrook, from Summertown, North Oxford, is hoping to launch a second group so more pensioners can benefit.

Mrs Glazebrook said: “We have a group of volunteer drivers who pick people up and take them to the volunteer host’s home.

“The host lays on tea and cakes and a bit of conversation.

“It provides a lifeline for some pensioners who can’t get out much.”

She is hoping to recruit more volunteers to run a second group.

Mrs Price, 93, from New Marston, was among pensioners who attended a recent tea party in North Oxford. She is pictured with Mrs Glazebrook.

She said: “It’s lovely to go round to someone’s house and have a cup of tea and a piece of cake. I would encourage other people to try it.”

Call Mrs Glazebrook on 01865 310488 for more information.