OLDER people on Teesside are being invited to make friends by joining a new group.

The Association of Retired and Persons Over 50 organisation (ARP/O50), is launching a social activity group in Redcar.

Called the friendship centre, it will hold its first meeting at Redcar Community Centre, in Durham Road, on Friday at 2pm.

A spokesman for the organisation said: "Friendship centres are run by volunteer members who organise their own programme of events. This new group is planning to go tenpin bowling and on pub lunches, walks and trips, among other leisure pursuits."

ARP/O50, which has 26 centres in the North-East, decided to launch the latest centre in response to the growing number of Redcar members.

For information on joining the group, ring Ann Robinson on (01642) 470 906, or Brian Page on (01287) 637 178