Concerns for lonely OAP's in the Channel Islands

Elderly people in the Channel Islands are more than twice as likely to phone a charity helpline than those in the rest of the British Isles, according to the latest figures.

Older people in the Bailiwicks have been the biggest users of The Silverline helpline per head of population since its launch and the charity says there is no sign of the demand falling.

Although one person may make several calls, the rate of calls in the Channel Islands is 13.8% compared to 5.8% for Scotland, which is the next biggest user of the phone line.

The Silverline says the early popularity of the scheme may be down to their high-profile launch on the islands. It's not clear whether that effect is still causing the high rate of calls eighteen months later.