Northallerton and District Voluntary Service is looking for male volunteers who can offer a couple of hours a week to visit and befriend lonely and isolated people.

The group has had specific requests for male volunteers to visit elderly men.

Project co-ordinator Helen Crannage said: “We currently have 42 volunteers that do an amazing job supporting people in the Northallerton and Bedale area but only six of them are men.

“Our volunteers are wonderful and between them have supported more than 65 people in the last year."

More volunteers, both men and women, are desperately needed to meet the increasing demand for help and companionship.

Volunteers befriend, sit with dependants so carers can get a break, do shopping for those who can’t get out of their homes and even help people to get out and about into the local community.

Volunteers must be over 18, reliable, friendly and caring. They must also undergo an enhanced disclosure check, provide two references and will receive training for the role.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer visitor or indeed using the service can contact Helen Crannage on 01609-780458 or visit the website www.ndvsa.co.uk.