ELDERLY people in Torfaen could lose a lifeline friendship group because of a shortage of volunteers.

Contact the Elderly meets once a month on a Sunday afternoon for tea, bringing together seven people aged between 70 and 92 from across Torfaen who live alone and have little social contact.

They also hold an annual Christmas party in Cardiff.

But the group relies on volunteer drivers and volunteer hosts to make it work, and now it is facing closure due to a lack of volunteers.

The group started in 1999 with five drivers and nine hosts.

Now there is only one driver, co-ordinator Martyn Craxford, and both of this year's afternoon teas have had to be cancelled.

Mr Craxford, aged 48, an NHS admin manager, said: "It's important for them to enjoy each other's company. For a lot of them it's the only time they get out and see each other."

The group is appealing for help from drivers and homeowners.

Drivers would need to have a few hours to spare just once a month on a Sunday to collect an elderly person and accompany them to tea.

Homeowners would need an accessible home with no steps and downstairs toilet, and be willing to provide a warm welcome and Sunday afternoon tea just once a year.

For more information contact Vanessa Powell, PO Box 1041, Cardiff, CF11 1HZ.

Call 02920 193767.