Older people from Birstall, Birkenshaw and Batley could benefit from a new project which encourages people to share their interests and skills.

Batley Resource Centre has received Opportunities for Volunteering funding from the Department of Health for the scheme.

Games, quizzes, arts, crafts, reading groups, creative writing, dance, gardening, photography and gentle exercise could all be on offer at the centre, which already has volunteers who “be-friend” older clients on a one-to-one basis.

A volunteer co-ordinator, Maria Spadafora, will also begin work at the centre.

Miss Spadafora said: “People who have retired from work have not retired from life, and may not even recognise that they have skills worth sharing.”

Anyone over 50 who has a couple of hours to spare every week or fortnight, who has a hobby or skill to share, is asked to contact Miss Spadafora on (01924) 326331 or e-mail maria.batleyrc@tiscali.co.uk.