DROP-in sessions for older people are set to resume in Ilkley after a summer break.

Open House for Seniors takes place at the Winter Gardens in the town on Friday mornings and is a chance for older people to enjoy a friendly welcome with a cup of tea and refreshments. It also features speakers and different events.

After a break during the whole of July and August, Open House will re-open on Friday, September 5.

Open House chairman Pam James said a new heating system will have been installed at the Winter Gardens in time for the first session so a warmer welcome is guaranteed.

"We re-open on Friday ,September 5 with the usual coffee/ tea and light refreshments from Mr Loafer. September and October will feature different activities on certain Fridays.

"We have been very fortunate in being offered a singing morning from a singer from Opera North who will not only sing but encourage us all to join in, not opera though I assure you. This is part of the Bold Festival and will take place on Friday , September 19."

Mrs James said it was hoped to put a programme together giving details of this and other events, planned such as a speaker from Trading Standards called Lanson Moore, who will visit in October to talk about bogus callers and personal safety.

"These are important subjects and we should be very aware of what we can do to cope with these situations," said Mrs James. "The first week in October is Older People’s Week, and on Friday , October 3 Age UK Bradford and District are putting on a full event together with other organisations. Details are still in the planning stage but all you have to do is watch out for the programme, giving all details.

Specific programmes will be out shortly giving you hundreds of events taking place all over the the district, celebrating the successes and work of Older People.

"Talks are going on about a ten piece band and as The Winter Gardens has a wonderful sprung floor we may well be able to dust off our dancing shoes and make that our exercise time too.

"All events will start between 10.30am and 11am, giving you time to get into Ilkley, enjoy your coffee with the event and still be home for lunch. I do hope you will be able to support Open House this autumn; we really do want to offer you a good, happy service in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, beautiful surroundings and good company.

"We are also looking for volunteers who will help with this by serving refreshments and chatting to the customers. All simple but fun as well; could you offer to do that?

"Come and join us and see for yourself what an entertaining morning Friday will be."