A charity for the elderly is desperately seeking chatty volunteers to help keep its lonely clients company.

Bucks Age Concern currently has 150 older people on its books who live alone throughout the county.

Many of them are in poor health and the majority no longer have a partner to keep them company, the charity said.

Age Concern is now urgently looking for volunteers who can give up an hour a week to drop in on its clients for a friendly chat.

One of Age Concern's clients is 108-year-old Margaret Cooke, who lives on her own in Beaconsfield. She has made good friends with volunteer Sally-Ann Matthews who has been dropping in to see her once a week for the past few months.

Alan Radcliffe, south Bucks befriending coordinator, said: “They have become very close friends and Margaret looks forward to the weekly visit.”

If you are interested in volunteering with the charity contact Age Concern Bucks, 145 Meadowcroft, Aylesbury, HP15 6ND or call 01296 431911.