YOUNG apprentices have been reaching out to older members of the community and spreading some festive cheer.

The Sellafield team appealed to employees to donate gifts which could be delivered to clients of Age UK West Cumbria.

They then packed them into decorated shoeboxes and dropped them off this week at centres in Egremont, Whitehaven, Workington, Cockermouth and Millom.

Sue Hunter, of the apprentice support team, said: "This is the first time we have done the boxes for Age UK.

"The scheme is organised by a team of apprentices, who appealed to Sellafield employees for donations and made up the shoe boxes.

"People gave toiletries, chocolates, scarves, gloves and games. They have been so generous, as well as filling 281 shoeboxes we have three big boxes of extra donations."

Age UK West Cumbria has a team of befriending volunteers, who visit - or phone - people that may be isolated or lonely.

The befrienders will deliver the gift boxes to the people they visit. Others will be distributed to clients who visit the centres to take part in activity groups.

Kay Artingstoll, of Great Broughton, has been a befriender for 18 years.

"I think the shoe boxes are a lovely idea, people can feel a bit lonely at this time of year, this makes them feel thought of and included," she said.

"The people I have been put in touch with are so grateful, they really appreciate what we do. I enjoy it too."

Following an increase in demand for befrienders, Age UK is appealing for more volunteers.

Eric Field, Cockermouth community connections worker, said: "For some people it's the only contact they have with the outside world. If anyone can help with befriending we would love to hear from them."

Eric can be contacted on 01900 844860.