CAMPAIGNER Esther Rantzen took the unusual step of calling the Daily Echo newsdesk last Friday to talk about the deaths of an elderly couple and publicity for a helpline she has established.

Silverline was only launched a matter of weeks ago but it is already taking a significant number of calls from lonely elderly people.

She highlights a problem that will only get worse as the country in general and this area in particular face a social care time bomb because of an ageing population. Miss Rantzen is right. The elderly need a stronger voice and more advocacy.