A CHARITY is taking part in a volunteer pen pal scheme which will see university students teaming up with older residents.

Age UK North Yorkshire, based in Northallerton, is taking part in the Writing Back project, which matches up School of English undergraduates at the University of Leeds with its members.

One of the aims of the project is to tackle loneliness and social isolation among older populations and students – many of whom are away from home for the first time.

The award-winning project is currently in its third year and has seen 260 people exchange letters.

Correspondence is sent via the university’s School of English department, so addresses do not need to be exchanged.

The scheme is fully funded and all participants are provided with stamps and a set of stationery.

There is an optional meet-up event at Headingley, Leeds, during the course of the academic year when people can meet their pen pal in person.

For more information visit Age UK’s coffee morning on Thursday, January 5 between 10.30am and 12.30pm at 33 High Street, Northallerton.