A TEA dance to support elderly residents will bring together dozens of volunteers, businesses and charities prepared to offer community care.

Members of the Growing Older Living in Darlington (GOLD) group have officially launched the annual summer event which sees stallholders set up pitches in Darlington town centre to offer information on services available to those in need.

This year's tea dance will include free tea and scones with jam and butter handed out to visitors to the Market Square on Thursday, August 17.

A GOLD spokeswoman said: "We're hoping and praying that the weather holds up for the tea dance, because we hope that 500 people will come along to find out some more information from the 24 to 26 stalls that we'll have.

"It's a fun, informative day for everyone and we really would encourage as many elderly residents as possible to come along and join in.

"We'll have the stalls, refreshments and also a live band and line dancing so everyone can have fun together."

The tea dance will run from 11am until 3pm and will also include a free hamper draw.

For more information, call 01325-256999 or email gold@darlingtoncab.co.uk