A GROUP has been set up in Peebles in a bid to combat loneliness.

Contact the Elderly hosts monthly, free Sunday afternoon tea parties to help older people make new friends.

The first gathering in the town was held recently.

And the group is hoping to find more members who want to get out and socialise.

Guests are collected from their homes by volunteer drivers who accompany them to the get-togethers in a local host’s home.

There they can enjoy a couple of hours of conversation over tea and cake with like-minded people.

Jennifer Kaney, Contact the Elderly’s development officer for the Borders, said: “The difference just a few hours of company can make to the life of someone who is living alone is immense.

“We know that the thought of meeting new people can be quite daunting but the atmosphere is always really friendly and welcoming.

“Our drivers get to know the guests and can strike up real friendships. It’s just a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon and the hosts and drivers get as much enjoyment out of it as the guests.

“We’d be delighted to hear from anyone interested in joining our parties as a guest in Peebles.”

To find out more about becoming a guest of Contact the Elderly in the Borders, contact Jennifer at Jennifer.kaney@contact-the-elderly-org.uk or on 01786 235034.