Young at Heart Club members had a fantastic day getting up close to beautiful birds of prey, courtesy of a visit from Sharandys of Chard.

The award-winning club provides a fun-filled day for older lonely people living in Wellington and Mid Devon each week.

It has featured on ITV Westcountry and BBC Somerset radio, and is recognised as being a modern, forward-thinking club for older people.

Chairman Lloyd Yorke said: “Loneliness among older people in our community is a real concern and we have evidence that services like ours can help tackle the mental and physical effects of isolation.

“We provide a cooked lunch and the opportunity for people to socialise and have plenty of fun. It is rewarding when members say that they look forward to coming each week and recently a widowed club member said our club was a second home for her.”

Lloyd added: “With the shortening days approaching the impact on loneliness is magnified and it is comforting for friends and relatives to know there are clubs and services like ours willing to help the more vulnerable members of our community.”

Anyone who would like to learn more about attending the Young at Heart Club should phone Lloyd or Diana on 07704 040 399 or visit the website, www.youngatheart.club