'GOSSIP and rumour mongering' is being blamed for accusations an Island charity is being 'ageist' by not allowing volunteers over the age of 70 to help out.

Mountbatten chief executive Nigel Hartley said he was disappointed to hear volunteers had accused him of being ageist and trying to get rid of older helpers.

He said the charity had to follow government guidance which means those over 70 or shielding should 'continue to take particular care to minimise contact with others outside their households’.

Those aged over 70 have not been asked back to help at Mountbatten's shops due to the guidance, and because of the shortfall, an appeal has gone out for other people to step in and help.

Mr Hartley wrote a letter to all Mountbatten volunteers, stating: "To be honest I am feeling a little disappointed.

"I have had a few calls from volunteers saying they have been telephoned by other volunteers saying that I am being ‘ageist’ and wanting to ‘get rid’ of older volunteers.

"I hope that every one of you will know and appreciate by now that I try to be as honest and straightforward as possible.

"The guidance to me is clear and I am not prepared to put any of you who might be over 70 at unnecessary risk.

"Secondly, I have said openly in previous communications that I cannot wait for all of you to return to your roles at Mountbatten as soon as possible.

"For those of you over 70 or shielding, that will be when the advice changes and from my perspective cannot come a moment too soon.

"It has been the most difficult few months for everyone, I appreciate that. But please try hard not to fall into gossip and rumour mongering about something which is just not true.

"Older people are the very core of what Mountbatten is about. Our volunteers are appreciated, whatever age they are.

"If you know of volunteers who do not have access to email, please relay the content of this to them."