A service has been set up to help residents in North Yorkshire returning home from hospital.

People in the Hambleton and Richmondshire area who have to go back to an empty house can benefit from the new Home from Hospital service provided by the Red Cross and the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton.

More than 100 patients have already been helped by the scheme, which is based at the hospital.

The service is available for up to six weeks after a patient leaves hospital. It is run by co-ordinators and trained volunteers who visit or telephone people to make sure they are coping.

Maggie Booth, Red Cross service manager responsible for the service across Yorkshire, said: "We aim to avoid readmission to hospital due to inadequate home support.

"A couple of visits from a volunteer in those first few weeks can often make all the difference to someone's confidence and enable them to remain independent in their own home."

Volunteers stay for a cup of tea and a chat and, if appropriate, change anti-embolic stockings which are sometimes worn following surgery.

The service is currently offering patients a "Message in a Bottle" scheme. Containers are stored in the fridge at home and contain vital information about the resident, giving peace of mind and helping in an emergency.

Volunteer Paula Morris said: "All the people I have helped have really appreciated the service and I enjoy helping them settle back home after being in hospital."

Anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering as part of the team should contact Ms Booth on (01482) 499833.