Television presenter and journalist Esther Rantzen gave a speech to a group of retirees about her new help line for older people.

The lecture was for the Harrow University of the Third Age which took place at Harrow Arts Centre, in Uxbridge Road.

Ms Rantzen spoke to the 240 people in the audience about the new support phone line called The Silver Line, for older people.

It aims to give help and support to those who may have lost a loved one or lives alone and may feel lonely.

In 1986, Ms Rantzen founded ChildLine, a free 24-hour counselling service for children and young people, which is run by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).

Bill Garvey, of the Harrow University of the Third Age, said: “Esther came over as someone who really understands the needs of the lonely and the vulnerable and made suggestions on what we can do to help."

He added: “What a great presentation, she was wonderful.”

The University of the Third Age provides educational, leisure and creative opportunities for those who are no longer in full-time work.