THE hard work, energy and enthusiasm of a group of volunteers in Fishguard and Goodwick has paid off.

The Friendship Circle has been awarded a grant from the Caring Communities grant scheme (administered by PAVS).

The group has been running for 12 years, providing refreshments, entertainment and companionship to local people aged 50 and over.

The chairman, Rhian Lloyd said: “We know that there are all too many older people living within our community who can feel quite lonely sometimes, and who would enjoy meeting other people and who have ideas and talents to share. We want to reach out to these folks and invite them to come along and join us."

The money will allow the Friendship Circle to carry out new activities, such as exercise classes for the over 60's and tea dances.

The Friendship Circle is working with Pembrokeshire Youth Services, Point Young Person's Trust and Alcohol Concern's Communities Together project to run a series of sessions where young people will work as mentors to older people, helping them to improve their computer skills.

It also wants to continue to work alongside other local groups, such as the Good Neighbours, the Senior Citizens Association, the Lions and Rotary Club to extend the opportunities for older people to have chances to socialise.

The Friendship Circle wants to extend a warm welcome to anyone who would like to come along and find out more about what is happening. As one of the founders Mike Lloyd said: "you meet but once as a stranger".

The group meets nearly every Friday morning at 10am in Fishguard Town Hall.