Ref. 75635-52ICE hockey star Chris Douglas may be many years away from retirement but he is keen to pitch in to help older people.

Yesterday the sports star, who plays for the Wildcats was on hand on launch a £2 million fundraising appeal to tackle social isolation and poverty among pensioners.

Tesco and Age Concern hopes the joint venture will benefit elderly people living in the Swindon area and elsewhere in the county.

According to Age Concern, 30 per cent of pensioners live alone and 20 per cent live below the poverty line.

The campaign was launched at a dozen Tesco outlets, including Swindon's Ocotal Way store.

Jo Osorio, director of Age Concern Swindon, said: "We will be putting the cash towards the service we provide throughout the year.

"We run a volunteer visiting service and it will help us recruit new members. This gives people contact, helps them sort out problems and reassures them that Age Concern is here to help."

The charity can be contacted on 01793 692166.