FOR many housebound and elderly people, 85-year-old Sylvia Bayley is often the only person they will see all day - her visit the link with the outside world.

FOR many housebound and elderly people, 85-year-old Sylvia Bayley is often the only person they will see all day - her visit the link with the outside world.

Volunteer Mrs Bayley has been delivering meals-on-wheels for 30 years, often taking the food to people much younger than herself.

But now she has reluctantly decided to call it a day and stand down from her post with the WRVS in Felixstowe, after breaking both her wrists.

Mrs Bayley of Taunton Road, Felixstowe said: “I slipped and fell on the ice just after Christmas and broke both my wrists - and now there are some things I find difficult or can no longer do, such as opening car doors.

“It's a real shame really because I have really loved being involved with the WRVS.

“We deliver ten to 20 meals a day, depending which round you are on, and I would work every day except Thursday.

“Sometimes we are the only people that the people we are visiting see in a day - and we always make time for a chat, just to make sure they are all right.”

To mark her 30 years' service and retirement, twice-widowed Mrs Bayley, who has lived in Felixstowe since 1935, was presented with a long-service medal and flowers as her colleagues gathered at the meals on wheels kitchens The Laydens in Langley Avenue to say farewell.

In addition to her work with the WRVS, she has also run coffee mornings at the old people's day centre, took part in street collections for charity, and worked for the St John Ambulance.

Two years ago she was presented with the Felixstowe Mayor's Award for her outstanding service to the community.

n. Has Mrs Bayley helped you? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

The WRVS in Felixstowe is a lifeline to around 80 housebound and frail people in the Felixstowe area - delivering seven days a week in the resort, the Trimleys and Kirton.

Rounds set off about 11.15am and it takes around an hour-and-a-half to deliver the meals. Mileage expenses are paid to drivers.

People are always needed to join the rota and do other work for the WRVS, and anyone wanting more information should contact Jenny Roche on 01394 284637.