PEOPLE in Horwich who need a friend or could offer their time to help others is urged to consider getting involved with the town's visiting service.

The voluntary organisation offers friendship and support for the lonely, elderly and isolated.

Following the results of a survey commissioned by Help The Aged, highlighted by the BEN, which found one-in-six people over 55 years of age feel trapped and isolated, the Horwich group is especially keen to let people know they can help.

The service is offered primarily to people living alone, but volunteers are also willing to visit couples or anyone living with other members of their family in certain circumstances.

Horwich Visiting Service works alongside Bolton Social Services and has close links with the town's day centre which opened in April 1999 and offers daily help for older people in their own homes, within the community and among their family to enable them to live independently for as long as possible.

Transport can be provided for senior citizens wanting to attend the Cedar Avenue centre which offers a whole range of activities such as arts and craft, social gatherings, drinks and hot meals.

Places are still available at the day care centre, which opens between 9am and 5am, Monday to Friday, and any older people from the area are welcome to pop in and find out more from manager Paula Christian or call her on 337780.

The centre also offers advice and support to carers of the centre's users and older people in the west district of Bolton are welcome to access facilities there on an informal basis and can call in for a chat and a cuppa any day between 10.30am and 3pm.

Horwich Visiting Service and the day centre team are also willing to put people in touch with luncheon clubs in the area.

Ray Collett, secretary and treasurer for the service, said: "We want to let people in Horwich know that help and a friend are always available.

"Loneliness is still a problem for many people and sadly those people who are lonely are loathed to phone and ask for help.

"A lot of people in Horwich probably don't know the Visiting Service and the day centre exist."

Anyone wanting to help as a volunteer at the Visiting Service needs to only spare one hour per week and does not require qualifications or experience.

For more information on the service call Dorothy Shaw on 696341.

Anyone who wants to find the nearest service to their home should call Nicky on 523200.