VOLUNTEERS from a telephone befriending service took a well-earned tea break when they were invited to meet the mayor.

The group of eight volunteers from the Silver Talk project met mayor of Durham, Cllr John Robinson, during a coffee morning at County Hall.

The Silver Talk scheme, run by housing association Derwentside Homes, provides a telephone befriending service for older or vulnerable residents.

Since launching in 2012, Silver Talk has grown steadily, with 75 volunteers working from offices in Stanley and Durham supporting around 250 service users.

Cllr Robinson, who is also Chairman of Durham County Council, said: “This is an impressive scheme, made all that more impressive because of its strong links with the volunteering sector.

“It must be very uplifting to know that in times of difficulties, all you need to do is pick up the phone and you can speak to a reassuring voice that can offer words of advice and encouragement.

“Clearly, Silver Talk is emerging as a valuable community asset as is shown by the steady increase in volunteers offering their important support.”

Following the success of Silver Talk in County Durham, last year the scheme expanded into Merseyside and Warrington after housing association Your Housing Group signed up to the project.

Project Manager John Atkinson said: “The project has been a big success here in the North East and further afield and our volunteers are the reason for that.

“They work incredibly hard and are really dedicated to the project, so for their work to be recognised by the Mayor was wonderful.”