MORE than 20 isolated West Somerset residents found themselves with plenty of company when they attended an Easter tea party.

The event in the Moorland Hall, Wheddon Cross, was organised by the national charity Re-Engage, which is in its 60th year of providing life-enhancing social connections for older people at a time in their lives when their social circles are diminishing.

Re-engage local co-ordinator Renata Uraky usually arranges monthly tea parties in the homes of volunteer hosts, but this limits the numbers who can attend.

So, at Easter time she puts on a larger event in the community, which this year was attended by 25 guests, volunteer drivers, and hosts.

The tea party was sponsored and hosted for a second year by the NFU Mutual Williton and Rooksbridge agency.

NFU Mutual marketing co-ordinator Helen Davies said: “In rural areas such as Exmoor it is hard for isolated older people to socialise, especially if they can no longer drive.

“Last year’s Easter party was such a success we were more than happy to sponsor the event again and enjoy an afternoon of conversation and good company.”

Sally Parish, who has been a volunteer host for more than 11 years, said: “It was a pleasure to help out at the Easter party and see so many of our guests together in one place.

“Hosting tea parties is so rewarding, who would not want to spend an afternoon eating cake and chatting?

“We are really grateful to Helen and the NFU Mutual Williton and the Rooksbridge team for sponsoring and running the afternoon, and supplying Easter eggs for everybody.”

Anybody interested in volunteering with Re-engage as a host or volunteer driver, or wants to know how their business can help, or to become a guest should call Renata on 07759 794063 or visit the Re-engage website for more information.