A BEFRIENDING scheme for elderly people in hospital has received a £5,846 cash boost.

Friends in Deed, based at Chester-le-Street's Highfield Hospital, was launched by Bessie Hall a year ago after she had a stay in hospital.

Volunteers sit and chat to people who request some company because they have no other visitors. "I feel it's a valuable lifeline," said Mrs Hall. "We visit purely at the request of patients, we don't force ourselves on them. Even if people do have family they may have moved away or have commitments or have family themselves.

"If someone is in for a long time there is a problem trying to maintain visits. A lot of old people are afraid of going into hospital and then they leave they are scared about going out. Maybe this link with the outside world can help a little bit."

The group received £1,500 from Age Concern and £4,348 from National Lottery's Awards for All.

The money will go towards buying office equipment and paying volunteers' expenses.