ESTHER Rantzen’s planned telephone counselling service for the elderly could save lives according to a Dorset home help service.

The ChildLine founder has described The Silver Line as a “telephone befriending service” to combat loneliness and give older people a point of contact where they can access information about other organisations and get help with serious problems, as well as building friendships over the phone.

Samantha Acton, who set up Domestic Angels 10 years ago, said: “We see elderly folk all the time that are lonely and isolated – what Esther is doing could save someone’s life.

“In our experience of dealing with elderly people there seems to be a stigma attached to contacting some organizations.

“Esther is avoiding the language of the care agencies and doesn’t talk down to people.

“Older people have a lifetime of experience and knowledge that is often forgotten.”

It is hoped that The Silver Line will be up and running by the end of the year.

The service will be partly funded by private donations, but it will also be operating as a charity.