A 98-YEAR-OLD bridge player is back in the game after a Tele appeal for a stairlift came up trumps.

Frances Thomson is among many members of the Fort Matilda Bridge Club to win a trick thanks to the kind response of the public.

The club was overwhelmed by the response after an appeal went in the Tele looking for stairlifts to help elderly members play on.

Gourock woman Frances, who lives in Riverside Gardens, said: “It is fantastic to have the stairlift. I will be able to play even more now.

“I used to play up to three times a week — the best thing about bridge is that it keeps your mind active.” Fort Matilda Bridge Club, based in Tarbet Street, attracts up to 40 members to any one session.

But their premises on the first floor had been proving an obstacle for their elderly members, who were finding it harder to scale the stairs.

The club has 80 members and the average age is 74.

Pat McLaughlin, a committee member, is delighted to now have two separate stairlifts for members to use.

Pat said: “It is brilliant to have the stairlifts.

“I couldn’t believe it when we got so many calls after the appeal.” Widower Roger David, from Wemyss Bay, was one of the Tele readers only too pleased to respond to the plea for help.

Mr David said: “The stairlift I had was in my house but it hadn’t been used since my wife Brenda passed away.

“I read about the appeal in the Tele and I was glad to pass it on to the Bridge Club.” The club were also delighted to take a stairlift from fellow donors Mrs Mullen and Mrs Brownlie.

Fort Matilda Bridge Club is open almost daily for beginners, advanced players, training and team games.

Some of the elite players also take on other clubs from around the area.

The club is open to learners on a Monday night at 7pm.

If anyone thinks they can help the group or would like to take up bridge they can call Pat on 521925 or secretary Anne MacLeod on 720044.