MARKET Lavington's day centre, giving some older people in the village their only social contact in a week, has been saved thanks to an article in the Gazette and Herald.

Despite great efforts by Maureen Brookes, the organiser of the Old School day centre in Church Road, to find a replacement for when she retires in a few weeks' time, no-one came forward to take up the baton and the day centre was faced with closure.

Then Sue Miller, wife of local GP Dr Jonathan Miller, saw the article in the Gazette of April 3 and offered her services. She said: "I have lived in the village and knew the day centre well. I have driven some of the old people to the centre on occasions, but I didn't realise it was in such desperate straits.

"There is a wonderful team of drivers in place and a great team at Lavington School who cook the lunches, even when the school is on holiday, so all it needs is someone to make sure it all happens.

"I have been doing it for a month now, and it is great fun."

About 17 currently use the day centre, which opens every Tuesday to offer a hot lunch, entertainment and a chance to chat over old times.

Any volunteers wishing to help Mrs Miller should contact her on (01380) 812575.