RESIDENTS already retired or approaching retirement will be able to stay in their own homes as long as they want, thanks to an alarm system keeping them in touch with the outside world.

Wyre Forest Sheltered Housing's Telecare alarm service has been designed to enable hundreds of residents to continue to live independent lives.

It comprises a simple telephone handset and range of sensors, which include intruder alerts and flood or gas detection.

The system is connected by a telephone line to the company's central control centre, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Kate Foxall, central control manager, will demonstrate the system when she takes a roadshow across the district and explained it had proved popular with families who had subscribed to the service for parents who might be alone for the first time following the death of a spouse or were experiencing declining health and mobility.

She said: "This kit gives people an opportunity to test the alarms and experience the service they would receive if they needed to use it in an emergency.

"The service is available to anyone who feels vulnerable in their home or who would like to know that the right type of help would be there if they needed it."

She went on: "We have worked closely with healthcare professionals and doctors over the years and we know that, given the choice, most people would rather be at home than in hospital but are worried about coping on their own.

"This service is an important step in regaining independence in familiar and comfortable surroundings."

Meanwhile, staff of the Community Housing Group, which runs the sheltered housing, have raised £1,056 for the Race for Life campaign.

Events which helped swell the total included cream teas, raffles, quizzes and sports sweepstakes.

The main moneyspinner, however, was Scarves to Save Lives, with Rosemarie Stanier and Annette Whale, of the business development team, knitting scarves to sell to colleagues, family and friends.

Company employees also took part in the Race for Life events in Worcester and Evesham.