A GREENOCK woman left devastated after the death of her husband has found new hope thanks to her friends at Branchton Pensioners’ Club.

Roseann Collins’ best friend stepped in to take her to the group after she stopped leaving the house when 64-year-old Joe died very suddenly.

She is just one of many older people who have been saved from loneliness by the club in the local community centre.

The pair are now part of the close-knit group, enjoying weekly games of bingo, a cup of tea and warm friendship.

Branchton’s Nan Daisley, 83, who runs the club, has devoted her life to helping people in her own community and is proud that they are looking after each other.

Grateful Roseann, 65, said: “I have never been better since coming to the club and have found great friends.

“It has helped me come out of myself since losing Joe four years ago. I didn’t want to go out the house. It is a great and I enjoy the company.

Her friend Joanne, 65, was full of praise for the pensioners’ club and the friends they have made.

Joanne said: “I suggested coming along to the group as a way of trying to get Roseann out the house and we have never looked back. We have been coming   for three years now.

“It is great and we have made such lovely friends. I can’t speak highly enough of it.

“It also helps you find out more about others things going on in the centre and we have signed up for other classes.”

The club meets every Thursday with plenty of opportunities for a game of bingo and chat.

They also organise theatre trips and days out. It has become so popular that they now have to operate a waiting list.

Branchton woman Isa Boyle helps run the club.

She said: “It is great fun and we have all become great friends.”

Isa is joined by others like Celia McGrath, 76, and Margaret Stevenson, 77.

Margaret said: “The pensioners club is the highlight of our lives.

“We have so much fun and Nan does a great job of running things.”

Branchton community activist Nan has oerated the pensioners club for years and fought for a community centre.

She said: “The club is great and I am very proud of what we have here in Branchton. We like to go on day trips and we are looking at a weekend away in the summer.

“Everyone who comes along enjoys the chat and the bingo.

“The community has gone from strength to strength.

“I can’t thank the staff at the community centre and the other ladies in the group enough for all their help running the club.”