A COMMUNITY group founder is highlighting the importance or staying active and sociable, particularly as you get older.

Slough Senior Citizens Group, aimed at helping combat loneliness within the elderly community, celebrated its 10th anniversary with a lunch at the Copthorne Hotel Slough-Windsor, in Cippenham Lane, on Wednesday last week, to help promote the importance of healthy living.

Vijaya Gupta, founder, said: "Loneliness and isolation are as important as regular health issues. These elderly people are living by themselves and they really need a place to go. At least twice a week they can depend on us.

"Community groups should contribute to the welfare of the community and we would like to do whatever we can."

First formed in 2006, the group narrowly escaped closure in 2011, but has gone from strength to strength with its mission to make Slough healthier ever since.

Wednesday's event brought a number of Slough's communities together with a sit-down meal, talks from local GPs and other charitable organisations, and was followed by music and dancing.

The talks throughout the afternoon stressed the importance of exercise and how it can provide a benefit to things like balance and blood pressure.

Mr Gupta said: "The best thing was Dr Jim O'donnell on his guitar he was so happy and our guests were so happy."

Talking about his reasons behind the event he said: "We thought we should spread this message of healthy living through events like this.

"You should explore the world. The message is don't sit at home on your own, explore new things, explore people."

Slough Senior Citizens Group will be holding further events throughout the year in celebration of its tenth year, concluding in January 2017.

The group holds yoga sessions on Tuesdays, Keep Fit Exercises on Thursdays, as well as regularly organising lunches out, coffee mornings and day trips.

The activities take place Brook House, Chalvey, and anyone interested should call 01753 537996 or email sloughseniors@gmail.com