EACH week more than 500 older people come together in community venues across the borough to share a meal and some leisure time, thanks to Age Concern's network of lunch and leisure clubs.

Sylvia Jones, the charity's Development Officer, oversees this area of work and explains its importance: "The idea is to provide a regular opportunity for older people, especially those who live on their own, to meet for lunch and spend time together in a very informal and relaxed way.

"A team of volunteers works in venues such as local church halls, sheltered housing schemes etc. throughout Bolton to plan and prepare lunch and to arrange some informal leisure activities with and on behalf of older people and a great time is had by all."

The charity, in partnership with Bolton Metro's Social Services Department and a wide variety of community agencies, supports a network of 22 such clubs.

Thanks to the hard work and commitment of the teams of volunteers running these, more than 500 older people each week are assured of a friendly meeting place, a good meal and an enjoyable afternoon out among friends.

Because of the continuing expansion of this network, Sylvia is always on the look out for more volunteers to support this popular and vital service.

"We rely entirely on volunteers to run these lunch and leisure clubs," she explained. "We can always make use of an extra pair of hands at most of the venues across the borough, but at present we're especially keen to have extra help to run clubs in the Halliwell area.

"This involves helping to prepare and serve meals and to wash up afterwards. The time commitment involved is about three or four hours each week in return for which you can be assured of a warm welcome and will quickly become part of a friendly team.

"And there's also the satisfaction of doing something really worthwhile in your community."

If you feel you have some time to spare and would like to know more, please contact Sylvia at Age Concern Bolton on 01204 382411.