A CHARITY supporting elderly people in Herefordshire has officially closed.

Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire confirmed on Monday (September 30) that the branch has now shut down, after nearly four decades of service.

The charity made the difficult announcement of the closure earlier this month, explaining that severe financial challenges had contributed to the decision. 

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The charity previously said that with rising operating costs and diminishing funding opportunities, it was no longer viable for it to continue offering services.

Chief executive officer of the charity, Julia Neal, said that the organisation was "extremely saddened and disappointed" that it had come to this.

Last year, the charity supported more than 15,000 older people across the two counties, creating a “significant impact” on their lives.

In a statement posted to their Facebook page, the charity said: "We are now closed.

"After nearly 40 years of service to the local community, we are deeply grateful for the privilege of supporting so many older people and their families.

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"We sincerely thank our clients, supporters, staff, and volunteers for their unwavering commitment."

They added that support could still be accessed from Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch & Wyre Forest, Age UK Worcester, Malvern Hills and Hereford Localities, and by calling their national helpline.

A spokesperson for Age UK Worcester, Malvern Hills and Hereford Localities (WMHL)previously  said in a statement: "Following the sad announcement of the closure of Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire, we would like to reiterate that we are NOT closing and will be continuing our work to support older people."