Organisers of Otley's Action for Older People have launched a £143,000 scheme to help the elderly live at home.

The Live at Home Neighbourhood Care project aims to help people with gardeners, painters and decorators, general handymen and vans to ferry them around.

Councillor John Eveleigh, the group's chairman, said the launch had been a huge success, with more than 200 people joining in.

"It was standing-room only, again highlighting the need for this project because of the keen interest in it," he said.

"People from similar organisations came along, as well as the police and the fire brigade. Now it's all systems go."

The cheque for £143,450 - handed over by the National Lottery Charities Board - has also paid for Stephanie Turner to work as project co-ordinator

She said: "We will be undertaking work within older people's homes for whatever they request.

"We do charge, but nothing like you could have to pay for a private worker - and we will arrange home visits to sort out exactly what the person wants."

Stephanie and her team can be contacted at Otley's Civic Centre on (01943) 463965.

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