ELDERLY folk in Adlington have received a safety boost to protect them from bogus callers following a cash donation from a national charity.

Help the Aged has given £8,500 to pay for a Senior Link Immediate Response System which links OAPs to its 24-hour response centre.

In the event of an emergency or accident, the householder presses a call button, either on a special unit or personal pendant worn around the neck, which connects them to the round-the-clock response centre.

A door alert button is also supplied -- a major breakthrough in helping combat the problem of bogus callers.

The Adlington and District branch of the Neighbourhood Watch Association (NWA) was recommended by the Lancashire branch in recognition of previous high profile partnership community safety initiatives.

The group, in partnership with Lancashire Police's southern division, is actively involved in combating bogus caller Crime, and fear of crime, by working with Help the Aged Safety Services. It is one of the first in the Northwest to take part in the innovative scheme.

Inspector Janet Edmondson said: "Since the introduction of the Crime and Disorder Act, the police have worked closely with the group to promote community safety. This project has also seen consultation with other partners, including social services, community health and churches to identify appropriate recipients.

"This project will allow the Neighbourhood Watch group and the police to help make may older residents feel much safer and more secure in their own homes."

Specialist fitters are currently installing the system in up to 40 homes.