AGE Concern is setting up a service for gay and lesbian pensioners.

It has admitted that elderly gays have been left isolated without the support that elderly people with other problems have received.

The charity has said that in the past there have been horror stories about the treatment of gay men and women in care homes whose sexuality has been uncovered.

Now Age Concern is looking to attract lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender men and women in Newcastle and North Shields.

Penny Remfrey, from Age Concern North Shields, said: "We want to help provide the support that has been missing in the past.

"There is research that shows that older lesbians and gays tend to be more isolated than hetrosexual couples of the same age.

"There is evidence that older gays and lesbians have been discriminated against in certain circumstances. We want to address that."