Older people are being taught to use mobile phones to help them keep in touch with family and friends.

Classes are being run by the Horsforth Live at Home scheme to help members get to grips with using their mobiles.

Now four people who attended the classes are passing on what they have learned to others as part of the scheme which aims to have members teaching other members.

The beginners sessions at Central Methodist Church will include advice on switching phones on, answering calls and sending text messages.

Members are also being shown how mobiles can be used to set reminders for hospital appointments and medication.

Organisers say the group, which started in April, has already helped dozens of members to be able to use their mobiles.

Horsforth Live at Home manager Tracy Brierley said: “The sessions are going really well.

“They are booked up until next year and members are really enjoying them. What is nice is that four people who went to the classes have now come back to us as volunteers, and they are showing other members how to use them.

“We have six per session because if you keep the group small people can get more one-to-one tuition.

“We have people at different levels as well, so you might get one person who knows how to use the phone for calls but doesn’t know how to send a text message.”

She said some elderly people had mobiles but were scared to touch them in case they pressed the wrong button.

Members buddy up and practice sending text messages to each other outside of the classes.

Tracey is planning to run more advanced classes next year, showing older people how to send picture messages as well as using the internet and Bluetooth.