The club offers members the chance to get regular phone calls from volunteers in order to maintain a degree of social contact and avoid exclusion, especially if they find it difficult to get out of the house.

For volunteers it is a chance to do something worthwhile without having to commit large amounts of time and energy.

Mum-of-two Elisabeth Winterbone (45) moved to North Wootton from Kent three-and-a-half years ago, after husband Mark was forced into a job change by redundancy.

With her youngest son Callum (now six) still at home all day, she found it difficult to adjust to life here.

She said: "I wanted something that got me back out into the community more and would give some sort of contact with people.

"I don't have a lot of excess income to access a social life and it's also great for me because I don't drive and don't have to leave my home to do it so from that point of view it's a very good voluntary role for people who have got their own limitations.

"Right from the beginning Age Concern was very good at explaining itself as an organisation and what Teleclub is about, which is very innovative. As is often the case very simple ideas are often the best and this is a very simple idea and a very good one.

"I'm blown away by my referrals. They are both in their 80th year, but what they do is amazing. I sometimes wonder if they need me at all. I think it reflects the changing face of old age.

"There are a lot of very active retirees and you can find for many there is lots to do Monday to Friday but weekends can be very isolating."

Volunteers are reimbursed for phone calls and can have anything from one to five members to create a phone link with.

The regularity of calls is decided between the member and volunteer, with some members wanting two or three calls a week and others just one.

Volunteers have to undergo a Criminal Records Bureau check, but apart from being reliable, trustworthy and chatty with an affinity for older people there are no other qualifications required. Volunteers have the back-up of the charity if there is anything they are unsure of and having volunteers in the same area as members helps to keep costs down.

Teleclub service co-ordinator in West Norfolk Mrs Frances Thorne said: "A lot of people can't get out and about and this is a way of giving them social contact and keeping their lives stimulating and interesting and being part of a club without them having to leave their own home.

"Social isolation can make people very lonely and very depressed and by joining these calls they are getting to talk to other people. We do quizzes with them over the telephone and send out newsletters and run conference calls to allow members to speak to each other. "

• For more information on Teleclub contact 01603 785261.