A SCHEME which aims to help elderly or infirm people, in remote locations on the North York Moors, is in need of more volunteers.

The Community Connect service, run by the charity Red Cross, is a "support at home" service designed to offer practical help and emotional support to help people in a crisis regain their independence and reconnect with their community.

Colette Kemp, the manager for Community Connect, hopes that potential new volunteers will come forward.

She said: "We have a wonderful team in the Moors and Dales, but we always need more volunteers across the entire area in order to keep this fantastic service running."

One such volunteer is Tricia Lodge, 71, who has been doing it for two years.

She said: "No two cases are the same. I help people with everyday tasks such as hanging out the washing or preparing food; things they can't do for themselves due to injury or illness.

"On another occasion I might help someone fill in forms, accompany them to the shops when they are regaining their confidence after a stay in hospital, or I might just pop round for a chat and some companionship.

"On one memorable day I found myself being introduced to my client’s favourite cow Briony – even though I don’t like being close to cattle. It was a lovely coincidence to find that Briony is a 'Red Cross' - a cross between a Swedish Red and a Hereford."

One man helped by the scheme is Brian Cooper, 63.

When a period of ill-health left him immobile and in unsuitable accommodation, the Red Cross helped him move into sheltered housing – together with his prized collection of more than 200 vintage cameras.

Mr Cooper said: "Thanks to the Red Cross I’ve now settled into my new home, and am mobile again so can go out into the town, which I certainly couldn't do before.

"I’ve also been to a couple of concerts recently including one at Ripon Cathedral, and an Abba tribute show where I took plenty of photos – it was great fun."

Information can be found at redcross.org.uk and searching for "Support At Home". Ms Kemp's email address is ckemp@redcross.org.uk.