When Dorothy Anderson began volunteering for Re-engage, Scottish singing superstar, Lewis Capaldi had just been born and only 2.5m people in the UK had access to the internet.

Today, more than 66m – nearly the whole population – can go online and Dorothy (pictured, far right) is still organising tea parties in Clackmannanshire as well as being a call companion.

For 27 years Dorothy has been making sure her guests get to and from a host’s home for the monthly get together or she and drivers, Laura Brown and Angela Caldwell, take them to a tea room or hotel for the much-needed social occasion.

Dorothy, who is 80, is older than some of her guests but still has a great desire to keep the tea parties – which she loves – going.

“We used to have around a dozen guests but since Covid we only have four,” she said. “It’s very sad but I’m determined to keep going. The tea parties are such lovely events and the charity is really nice.

“I sometimes do a round trip of 50 miles taking the ladies through beautiful countryside to a venue for our tea. We have great fun, telling stories and having a sing-along. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Dorothy, who makes regular calls to Gladys, who is in her eighties, has spent much of her life volunteering with organisations like the Samaritans and others focusing on helping children.

“When I was younger I wanted to be a missionary but I was too shy so I dedicated my life to volunteering and it’s been absolutely marvellous. I’ve been so lucky,” added Dorothy.

“Our group is much smaller now but it would be lovely if we could get a few more volunteers and guests. I think some older people have become a little wary about going out but we would love them to come along. We just don’t want them to be lonely.”