Church members sought to quell summer loneliness by putting on summer socials for the elderly.

The congregation of Wesley Hall Methodist Church in Stapylton Road, Barnet, ran four summer socials offering tea, cakes and music on a Monday afternoon every week at the church.

Around 60 people came along and local business such as the Victoria Bakery, Waitrose and Greggs donated cakes and members of the U3A Ukelele Band, the Barnet Hill Lifeboat Crew and local pianists Philip Bigg and Stephen Golding performed for those in attendance.

Minister Shaun Sanders said: "We were overwhelmed by the success of the venture. And we shall be doing it again.

"One is in the pipeline for just after Christmas, with more on offer for next year."

One of the attendees, Freda Rymer,said "My friends and I from Hertswood Court came to the third gathering and received a very friendly welcome, joined a table set out with cakes and puzzles, enjoyed musical entertainment and did our best with the crosswords.

"We came again today to the last gathering, and we have not been disappointed. A very big thanks to all concerned."