Simon says, keep sense of humour about ageing

The well-known writer used examples from his books when he opened the first event of its kind to be held by the Arun Neighbourhood Network.

The activities of the many characters created by the author, who lives near Arundel, gave him plenty of chances to explain the importance of overcoming the indignities of getting older with a laugh.

Diane Henderson, the director of Age Concern West Sussex, said the event was a fitting success to celebrate the network's first birthday. "It was so good to see so many local activists, many of whom are older people themselves, having a real say in how we support activities for people in later life in Arun."

Around 110 delegates went along to the day-long occasion at the Hilton Avisford Park Hotel.

All of them are involved in running groups across the Arun district for older people.

Two main sessions took place to spread best practices about running such groups in urban and rural communities.

Workshops were also held to boost the organisers' abilities in essential activities such as fundraising, publicity, creating business plans, finding new members and recruiting volunteers and trustees.

Those at the event also took the chance to praise the hard work during the past year and spoke about the difference it had made to their groups.

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