POSTMEN and women are being recruited in a pilot scheme in North Yorkshire to battle loneliness and isolation with a friendly knock on the door.

The county council has been chosen by the government to run one of three trial schemes across the country joining forces with Royal Mail to keep an eye on older people, offering a helping hand and reassurance.

Up to 100 over 65's in the Goathland, Sleights and Whitby area being encouraged to join the trial. Called Safe and Connected it will involve postmen and women from the delivery office calling on people twice a week to ask them about their health and happiness and ask if they need any help, Concerns will be passed on to the council's Live Well Team, which can offer support.

Executive member for Public Health County Councillor Caroline Dickinson said:"This is about offering a helping hand to people who are living independently, but are perhaps at risk of becoming isolated or lonely or would benefit from someone checking up on them regularly.

"Safe and Connected fits very well with the work of our Living Well team. It’s about looking after each other, which has always been at the heart of our communities. Loneliness and isolation can take their toll on people’s wellbeing. Safe and Connected offers a chance to address these issues early. I urge anyone who feels they may benefit to consider registering."

Whitby County Councillor David Chance added: "We’re known for our neighbourliness in North Yorkshire and this trial builds on that. We all have a role to play as good neighbours, whether as individuals or as the County Council with its partners in Royal Mail and the Government."

The council's Living Well Team has already visited 5,000 people since it was set up in 2015 as part of the authority's strategy to combat loneliness. Many residents were over 75 and lived alone with the team offering practical and emotional help.

The scheme which runs until March is being run through Living Well co-ordinator Louise Partlett on 01609 532962, email Louise.Partlett@northyorks.gov.uk. A co-ordinator will contact the person to arrange a visit and register them for the scheme. People can find out more at an event on October 24 at Larpool Lane elderly people's home in Whitby.