CONTACT the Elderly, the charity which was once struggling to find volunteers, is now operating at full capacity thanks to the Advertiser.

The Swindon branch held its first meeting last Friday where 12 elderly people and their new drivers enjoyed tea, biscuits and a good chat a social luxury many of these elderly people previously did not have the chance to enjoy.

The group aims to bring together like-minded pensioners one Sunday a month. It relies on volunteers to drive the elderly people from their home and meet at the tea parties.

Last November, the charity featured in the Advertiser appealing for volunteers to come forward because it did not have enough support.

Ann Godfrey, group co-ordinator, said: "We had a terrific response from the article in the Advertiser. We wouldn't have been able to achieve these numbers without the support of the paper."

Mrs Godfrey was inundated with calls from volunteers and she is now enjoying the fruits of this success.

"It is great to be able to offer support to so many more elderly people in the area," she said.

Even though the group is now thriving, she would still like to hear from other people interested in volunteering.

She said: "We are always happy to hear from people.

"We would like potential hosts to come forward to hold tea parties once a year.

"All potential hosts need is space to seat 12 elderly people, a downstairs toilet, a big tea pot and a huge smile."

Anyone interested should call Mrs Godfrey on 01793 853236.