A chatline to support the elderly has been set up in a bid to combat the loneliness epidemic.

Kirklees’ older population can now chat to volunteers for support or a natter about memories and family thanks to the new scheme set up by Age UK Calderdale & Kirklees.

The weekly telephone befriending service is part of the charity’s national Call In Time initiative, funded by the Community Foundation for Calderdale.

It follows a worrying trend of more elderly people struggling with feelings of isolation.

Figures show a third of over-65s in Kirklees - some 20,000 people - live alone.

Hilary Thompson, Chief Officer for Age UK Calderdale & Kirklees, said: “For many, this service offers a chance to talk to someone who may be the only person they speak to that week, so we’re delighted to be able to reach out to even more older people in Calderdale and Kirklees.”