A LIFELINE for Dudley's lonely and isolated elderly residents is under threat due to a lack of volunteers.

Contact the Elderly organise monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties for small groups of people who are aged 75 and above and live alone.

People are picked up from their homes by a volunteer driver who takes them to a hosts' home, where they spend a couple of hours enjoying refreshments and companionship.

But the popular outings are at risk as there are not enough volunteers willing to host the tea parties.

Pamela Walker, the charity's development officer, said being a host requires a commitment of just a couple of hours, once or twice a year, and anyone who has a downstairs toilet, easy access to their home and a good sized teapot is eligible.

She added: “We’re committed to offering a lifeline of friendship to the oldest and loneliest people.

"Our volunteers genuinely get as much out of the experience as our older guests, so I’m calling for anyone who is interested in giving something back to their community to please get in touch with us as soon as possible.”

Anyone who would like to find out more, should email pamela.walker@contact-the-elderly.org.uk or call 0121 6031331.