TWO neighbours have created a friendship group for people around Bude.

Barbara Simpson said she and her neighbour Maria Sturt created the group ‘Friends Around Bude’, which has been running for several weeks, after they became aware of ‘a considerable number of solitary and lonely people in the area’.

The social group is open to all ages, male and female, married or single. It is run by the members for the members and has no committee.

The only ‘qualification’ needed to join is the desire to make new friends.

There is an open meeting every Thursday at Harlequinns Bowling Alley Café at 11am for those wishing to gather for a chat, or to play cards or board games.

There is also a Facebook group — search for Friends Around Bude — for those who cannot make the Thursday meet-ups and who might like to meet new companions.

The group also has an associated website — www.f-a-b.org.uk — designed by Brian Pedder, who donated his time for free.

The website is a source of information about activities and organisations ranging from craft groups to fishing in and around Bude.

Those wishing to have their organisation included are encouraged to make contact through the website.