Charity for elderly folds

This well-regarded local charity was started in 1958 and raised funds which were used exclusively to benefit the elderly of the town.

Chair of Bexhill Friends of the Elderly Councillor Frances Winterborn said: "Over the years we have funded a number of major projects including the purchase of the building which forms the Bexhill Senior Citizens Club in Eversley Road.

"We installed the first library lift and started the community bus, which has been renewed on several occasions with substantial financial assistance from us.

"We also gave financial help to those who were having difficulty with fuel bills, who were on a low income and those needing ramps and safety rails.

"Now the government and social services have taken this over, proving once again that the charities are the innovators.

"We are sorry that this little charity has to close but times have changed and we feel we are no longer needed.

"Our assets will be divided among local charities which will benefit the local community.

"Thank you to all who have supported us in the past.

"Thanks to those who worked hard to keep the charity going - obviously too many to mention.

"I must just mention one person and that is Michael Bugden our Secretary, who kept us in order and was the man who kept things going when times were hard, and thanks to our committee."