A CALLINGTON organisation which provides a lifeline for the town's elderly could disband if no-one comes forward to take on the key roles.

The popular weekly get-together organised by Age Concern Callington, which includes a hot meal and entertainment, will come to a sad end after three decades, should nobody come forward to take on the role of organiser within two weeks.

Each week between 40 and 50 people attend the Mustard Seed hall for lunch, and Marina Herbert, who has been at the helm for ten years, said it would be 'a disaster' if the event were to cease.

She said many of those involved in the organisation were now eligible to sit down for the meal and it was time to call it a day. A meal organiser, transport organiser and chairman are needed.

'There are eleven members who come to the meal who are over 90,' she said. 'They are very upset and for a lot of them it is their only link with other people or chance to share a meal as so many eat on their own all the time.

'Some are virtually housebound and only come because we provide transport from home and back again.'

Mrs Herbert said she resigned in October but carried on when no-one could be found to take over: 'We have plenty of helpers but we need someone to supervise and organise the transport. We are pretty desperate now.'

Town organisations and local churches have been approached but there has been little response. Age Concern also provides trips during the year and Christmas lunches.

Treasurer Barry Higgins said the weekly Age Concern meetings made 'a huge difference' to people's lives with the friendship as important as the hot meal. There was nothing else in Callington like it.

He said that unfortunately the bureaucracy meant a lot of paperwork and this meant more work for people. 'Waiters not wearing hats or aprons is not what it is about but we have to comply with all the health and safety legislation — so much for the Big Society.'

Callington Rotary Club is joining in the campaign to save the branch and is contacting Age Concern Cornwall to see if any assistance can be given.

If anyone can help contact Barry Higgins on 01579 384106.