A DOCUMENTARY following the work of Red Cross volunteers in the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors is highlighting a campaign to tackle rural isolation.

Red Cross volunteer drivers Sean Ridley and Nick Stenhouse got a taste of the film industry when they starred in the film, A Day in the Life.

Over a period of two days, the film crew interviewed staff, volunteers and users of the service, as Mr Ridley and Mr Stenhouse drove around the Dales, Moors and Vale of York to reach people using the Red Cross Community Connect service.

Community Connect is one of 11 projects around the country which are funded by Land Rover UK in a £2 million partnership.

The aim of the service is to tackle rural isolation and support people in reconnecting with their communities through joining local activities, going to events or shopping.

It is designed to help people to remain independent in their own homes following a crisis in their lives such as ill health or a stay in hospital.

The film crew’s itinerary included a shopping trip for a house-bound couple living far from a supermarket, a community music event for the elderly in Great Ouseburn and a Red Cross first aid training session for parents of young children in Reeth.

Mr Ridley, who has been volunteering with the Red Cross fire and emergency support service for two years, took annual leave from work in order to take part in the filming.

“Not everyone knows about the work of the Red Cross in rural areas like ours, so it was great to be able to help record the amazing Community Connect service, which is available day in, day out," he said.

Colette Kemp, the Red Cross service manager for Community Connect said she hopes the film will attract potential new volunteers.

Email Ckemp@redcross.org.uk for details.

The film can be viewed at https://youtu.be/0u612X8ZbpM.