SOUTH Craven Elderly Initiative Group has received a Queen's Jubilee award.

The group, started in 1995, comprises representatives from a wide range of services for the elderly, who work together to solve individual problems and tackle local issues.

The award recognises its work within the community, and comes with a £2,000 cheque, which will go towards running costs, publicity, training and staging the group's biannual information roadshows.

Secretary Barbara Smith said the award came just in time, as funding had dried up after grants from the North Yorkshire Health Authority ceased.

"The money used to come from the small projects fund, but we no longer get any from there. The money has to be used by May 2003, and needs to be accounted for," said Mrs Smith.

The group exists on a non-profit making basis and members give their time for free. They meet once a month and the meetings are open for people to come in and ask advice.

Founder members include former chairman Ken Smith, his wife Barbara and Joan Haigh, all of whom are still active within the group today.

Today, members' interests include local women's institutes, elderly meeting groups, South Craven Voluntary Action, nursing and residential homes, local churches, crime prevention groups, local parish councils, Alzheimer's Support Group, cancer support groups and South Craven medical centre.

At each meeting a "wish list" is compiled of particular issues that members wish to pursue.

Mrs Smith said: "The 'wish list' allows people to pursue their interests and problems, whether it is parking on the pavements or moving A-boards from the streets. We cannot always help ourselves but we can take things further."

One of the most successful initiatives of the group are the roadshows, which attract a good crowd. The group has also set up classes in conjunction with South Craven School, Cross Hills, and particularly popular are the exercise, computer and lifelong learning classes.

This year, the group distributed more than 400 energy-saving light bulbs and 200 kettles to elderly people in South Craven.

The group has facilitated the provision of hand rails and telephone alert alarms in homes, publicised issues such as home safety, well-being and health, and negotiated with businesses to improve their access and disabled facilities.

Members also work closely with Better Government for Older People (BGOP), which campaigns nationally for things such as equality for pensioners, transport issues and pensions.

But at the very heart of the group's philosophy is caring for the individual, responding to personal needs and finding solutions to local problems.

"All the members represent groups with a predominantly elderly membership," explained Mrs Smith.

Anyone wanting more information should contact Mr or Mrs Smith on 01535 632083 or drop into the meetings, which are held on the second Monday of each month at the Glusburn Institute.