A RADIO presenter was so moved by a guest on his show he offered to fund a month of lunches for lonely older people out of his own pocket.

John Campbell, who presents a show on Forest FM as a volunteer, put his hand in his pocket after interviewing Kate Moulton from the monthly lunch club for older people in Verwood.

Dorset Partnership for Older People Project (POPP) established the club, run by volunteers on the first Tuesday of each month at Verwood Methodist Church Hall.

About 25 people attend and enjoy a cooked meal, dessert, tea or coffee and a chat in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

However, the initial funding from POPP has run out and costs are constantly rising, so volunteer Kate Moulton has been out on a mission looking for sponsors and donations.

Her first port of call was community radio station Forest FM, where she was given 15 minutes to appeal to listeners for help.

But as the interview was coming to an end she was stunned to hear the presenter tell her on air that he would personally pay the entire costs for the following month out of his own pocket.

She said: “I started to run through the items I needed to buy to keep the club going and he absolutely blew me away when he said he’d pay for a month’s worth.

“I told him about the food and drinks, little gifts for birthdays and cleaning things and he said £200 sounded about right.

“The club is amazing – between 22 and 28 people have such a lovely time every month, almost like an extended family, and they love coming.”

Mr Campbell said: “Kate was so passionate about the lunch club that I just couldn’t help offering her the money.

“She was temporarily lost for words but luckily I can talk for England.

“It was one of those nice moments with smiles on all sides.”

Anyone who feels they could volunteer at the lunches or contribute towards costs can contact Mrs Moulton on 01202 814162 or 07949 223772, or at petamoulton@ hotmail.com