Oswestry's British Ironworks Centre has thrown its support behind a charity for old people by creating a 'selfie bench'.

Age UK Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin offer a number of important services to thousands of people within the Shropshire region and 2020 will see them celebrate their 70th Anniversary of service.

They have chosen to use the momentous occasion to launch a new fundraising campaign – The Platinum Appeal.

The appeal encompasses everything that Age UK is all about, including offering dementia support and combating loneliness, and aims to raise £150,000 in funds to support older people within the Shropshire region, including the north.

A spokesman for the Ironworks said the business was delighted to help. They said: "Earlier in the year, we were approached by Age UK and asked if we could come up with any innovative ideas to support their campaign.

"On Monday, November 18, we were invited to attend the launch of their Platinum Appeal and this is where we officially unveiled the prototype of our idea – a travelling selfie bench.

"The bench has been specifically designed to encourage the public to take a fun selfie with friends and family, while acting as an interesting point of conversation to encourage social interaction.

Age UK statistics state that 24 per cent of people aged 50 plus living in England feel lonely some of the time, while seven per cent (equating to around 1.4 million people) feel lonely often.

"No one, no matter what their age, should have to feel lonely, which is why we hope the travelling bench will combat this by helping to open up conversations between all ages.

"The bench also enables the public to offer their support through a secure donation box welded to its side. If each person who uses the bench donates just £1 into the box, the Platinum Appeal will be that much closer to reaching their £150,000 goal.

"We will be approaching high footfall locations throughout Shropshire to host the Age UK travelling bench over the next year. Some of the places on our list include Shrewsbury Town FC, Salop Leisure Centre, The Quarry, Ludlow Castle, Shrewsbury Castle, Darwin Centre and Ironbridge.

"We look forward to seeing what you can do to help Age UK reach their fundraising goal."

If you know of a location within Shropshire that would love to temporarily host the travelling bench, please contact the Ironworks to discuss further on 01691 610952.

The bench is currently available for use at the Ironworks if you would like to pop over and take a 'selfie'.