A BEFRIENDING scheme for elderly people in hospital has received a £5,846 cash boost.

Friends in Deed, based at Chester-le-Street's Highfield Hospital, was launched by Bessie Hall a year ago after she had a spell in hospital.

Volunteers visit people who request some company because they have no other visitors.

"I feel its a valuable lifeline," said Mrs Hall.

"We visit purely at the request of patients, we don't force ourselves on them.

"Even if people do have family they may have moved away or have commitments or have family themselves.

"If someone is in for a long time there is a problem trying to maintain visits."

She said: "A lot of people when they are old are afraid of going into hospital and when they leave they are scared about going out.

"Maybe this link with the outside world can help them a little bit."

The group has received £1,500 from Age Concern and £4,348 from the National Lottery's Awards for All scheme.

The money will go towards buying office equipment and paying volunteers' expenses.

Friends in Deed hopes to move into the town's new hospital when it is completed.