AGE UK Dudley is looking for volunteers to help with its befriending service.

The service has been running for more than 15 years and addresses the needs of people across the borough suffering with isolation and loneliness.

Volunteers either visit people at their home or care home for around an hour each week or make a weekly telephone call.

The demand for the service is greater than ever and currently 160 people receive visits from the 89 volunteers.

Mark Thomas, one of the service's coordinators, said: "People who receive the service are so appreciative and the volunteers input makes such a difference.

"Before I joined the team I didn’t fully realise just how many people were living without a great deal of social interaction.

"The demand within the borough is huge and we just could not help without our team of volunteers."

Anyone who would like to find out more about volunteering should call 01384 354512.