A charity for seniors has received a £1,000 boost from Norwich-based Anglian Home Improvements, as part of a scheme to help 50 worthy causes for the firm's 50th anniversary.

Age UK Norfolk has received the grant, which will be used to combat loneliness among over-55s - the fastest-growing age group in the UK.

Helen Chapman, fundraising manager at Age UK Norfolk, said: 'We are thrilled and very grateful to receive the £1000 donation from Anglian Home Improvements.

'This amount of money will help fund 200 telephone befriending calls to lonely and isolated older people. Norfolk is a very rural county with over 38,000 older people living alone.

'Our telephone befriending service provides a lifeline to over 270 older people who may otherwise not speak to anyone for a month.'

Mark Ottaway, Anglian Home Improvements' divisional managing director said: 'Age UK Norfolk stood out to the judges for the invaluable contribution it makes to the local area, and we were delighted to announce it as one of our #50for50 winners.

'As a company which is 'local to you' we are passionate about showing our support for the community; and our purpose is not only to ensure quality at every step of the customer journey, but also to help create a positive legacy in the areas in which we operate.

'Anglian's #50for50 campaign clearly demonstrates this, and we look forward to seeing the difference our support will make to Age UK Norfolk and to our other worthy winners.'

-To find out more about Age UK Norfolk visit www.ageuknorfolk.org.uk.