A GROUP of kind-hearted Ilkley people have thrown open the doors of their homes - and their cars - to help make Sundays a less lonely time for the elderly.

Rachel West, Claire Ohle, and

married couple Mary and Michael Brassington are all volunteers for Contact the Elderly - a national charity which, six months ago, set up a group in Ilkley to offer friendship and monthly outings to old folk.

The group is now thriving but is on the lookout for more people to act as drivers and tea party hosts.

Volunteers need only give up two or three hours a month to spend an afternoon with a small group of elderly people, most in their nineties, either driving them to and from tea parties or hosting a party in their own home.

According to Mrs West, a 38-year-old PA and mother of two, the benefits for all involved are immeasurable.

"I think we have actually benefited far more than the old people," she said.

"It's been really good for the children and for me. And for the old people they don't get to go into family homes that often. It is so nice for them."

Mrs Brassington, 69, a driver, agrees. "I get a lot out of it. I just like helping people. Some of these people are so lonely, they don't see anybody at all over the weekend. And they seem to enjoy the tea parties so much."

It was certainly true that at a tea party last Sunday everyone was having a rip-roaring time, including me.

"It's fine getting out and meeting people," said Harold Asquith, 89, as he tucked into trifle and tea.

"I think it's fun for people to get together."

But the parties are not just about fun. They really do provide old people with the chance to escape their surroundings and talk to other people.

Most of the seven in the Ilkley group live alone, have no family left and receive very little company.

All of them agree that Sundays can be the worst day to get through, with no Meals on Wheels, no visitors and no day centres to fill the time.

"The time I feel most lonely is after six o'clock at night," said Mr Asquith.

Betty Hastings, 95, whose two children live abroad, said she relished the chance to get out and about.

"I think it gets you out from your own company. You are not staring at four walls all the time. It is so easy to get into a rut and not want to go out.

"A lot of us can't walk so we can't get to church and back unless someone takes us.

"We are all more or less of the same age group and it's lovely that the volunteers put themselves out to help people like this. I think these people are marvellous."

And for housebound Marjorie Wilson, 90, it's a chance to take up with old pals and enjoy some home cooking.

"It keeps you going and so it means you have another interest. You see, I'm housebound. Unless somebody takes me out this is the only opportunity I have of meeting people I have known for many years.

"I have known most of them for up to 60 years. I'm also very, very fond of food and the cakes are always delicious!"

Anyone who would like to host a tea party will need a ground floor toilet and a large teapot.

Drivers simply need a car suitable for one or two old people.

Anyone interested in getting involved with Contact the Elderly should call Freephone (0800) 716543.