HOUSEBOUND elderly people are feeling less cut off from society thanks to Banbury mayoress Paula Donaldson and other volunteers at Age Concern.

Mrs Donaldson is one of a dozen helpers who operate the charity's phone-link service from offices above The Place, in White Lion Walk.

She is a "friend" to older people in isolated areas who might otherwise go for days, or sometimes weeks, without seeing anyone.

She said: "The phone-link is a lifeline to the outside world for some elderly people.

"It is free-of-charge and it's a lovely service. The elderly people really look forward to the calls. We build up relationships with them."

Mrs Donaldson added: "We are the friendly voice on the end of the phone, and we make one promise. Everything that is said remains absolutely confidential. No part of any conversation is revealed to anyone else."

Mayor John Donaldson said: "It is important to communicate with isolated people. There is nothing worse than being housebound and lonely. The service really does make a difference."

Tina Turvey, Age Concern's phone-link co-ordinator, said around 300 elderly people were regularly contacted.

She said: "The number of calls people get depends on individual circumstances, but can be from one to three a week.

"The service operates from Monday to Friday, and we run morning and afternoon sessions.

"We need more volunteers - people who can give up a few hours a week to help others. We particularly need men, but would welcome more women too.

"Elderly and isolated people can join the service by being referred to us by doctors, nurses, family members, friends, or they can contact us themselves.

"We pay home visits to assess people's needs. It is a great service, and all we need is to get more people on board."

Phone-link has been running in Banbury since June.