PENSIONERS who re-launched their village club after Age Concern pulled out have decided to make it an 'open house'.

All members of the community will be given a welcome at The Huntington United Community Support Group.

The club has risen from the ashes following the shock closure of a string of rural day centres, including Huntington, near Kington, late last year.

The club went into limbo and many of the elderly members became isolated at home during the dark days of winter. Now there is new growth.

"We've had so much help from the community to get started up again we've decided to broaden the club - there is no age limit, " said volunteer organiser Julia Jones.

"We're here for anyone locally who may be feeling a bit sad and lonely or anyone who is living on their own.

"There is no obligation to come every week - anyone is welcome to drop by for a coffee whenever they like."

Most pensioners at the club spurned an offer by Age Concern to transfer to a day centre at Kington Hospital. They would feel they had 'one foot in the grave' going there, they said.

They appealed for help to carry on meeting at their comfortable, modern community hall and remain a key feature of village life.

Kington Lions gave the club a £1,000 boost and also presented two wheelchairs. A bingo club presented £200 and a further £500 was raised by coffee mornings.

Pat Prior, of The Garth residential home, stepped in to supply hot meals.

Transport remains a big problem. The club, which meets on Thursday once a fortnight, needs the use of a minibus to collect and return members to their homes. Anyone who can help should contact Julia Jones on 01544 230639.