DUDLEY Canal Trust has set up a weekly chit chat club to help fight loneliness.

Led by volunteers, the club will run every Tuesday morning between 10am and 12 noon in the trust’s new café, The Gongoozler.

“It’s fantastic that we’ve been able to set up this informal chit chat club,” said Rebecca Cooper-Sayer, the trust's volunteer co-ordinator.

“It’s run by our team of warm and friendly volunteers. There is no formality or agenda to the club; you don’t even have to come every week.

"Anybody is welcome to just drop in, have a natter and enjoy a piece of cake.”

Nick Morris, the trust's chief executive, added: “We can offer so much more for our visitors now that we have our new visitor centre.

"As a charity, we’re always looking for ways to engage with the local community in all we do here.

"Working to combat loneliness in our local area is an important part of that.”

The club is free to attend and no pre-booking is required. For more information call 0121 5576265.