Organisers of a new social group in Keighley are appealing for pensioners to sign up.

The 60+ group will meet at Whinfield Community Centre, on Braithwaite Avenue, each week from May 11.

The sessions have been organised by Keighley Healthy Living Network, Whinfield Community Association and Keighley Social Services for the Elderly, who have worked together to develop the new drop-in group aimed at older, more socially isolated people from the Braithwaite, Guard House and upper Highfield areas.

Val Mills, of Keighley Healthy Living Network, said: "The people we are trying to reach are quite difficult to root out. We have already sent out hundreds of letters, but I know that there will be some that slip through the net.

"We want to make sure that as many people as possible know that these sessions are taking place and are available to them."

Members can expect a light lunch, information on a variety of health topics, trips out, speakers, crafts and gentle chair exercise from the sessions, but most importantly will be the social companionship from their peers who share similar experiences and interests.

Mrs Mills said: "We want to use some of our New Opportunities lottery funding to provide more practical social opportunities for older people who are living on their own. They are one of our key priority groups.

"Our main aim is to help improve the physical and mental well-being of older people by providing a new social opportunity in a friendly, relaxed, local community environment."

The 60+ group is free to join and starts at the Whinfield Centre on May 11 at 12.30pm. The sessions will run each week until July 20.

The centre is fully accessible for the disabled and transport can be arranged for those who are unable to get to the centre.

Those interested in attending should call Pauline Ackroyd at the Whinfield Centre on 01535 665935.