POETIC pensioner Ron Hall has taken to verse to thank the telephone befriender who has lightened his lockdown life.

The 84-year-old Darwen resident had been feeling lonely while isolated at home after the coronavirus restrictions came into force at the end of March.

Unable to get out to his usual social groups and still missing his wife Doreen who died last year, he was put in touch with telephone befriender Catherine Maycroft six weeks ago.

Ron wrote poems for his wife during their courtship and married life. Since she passed away, he has continued to help him express his grief.

He started sharing his work with Pleasington resident Catherine during their weekly phone calls and his rhyming has become a key part of their growing friendship.

Now Ron has written her a special poem of thanks which says: “I look forward to our little chat, it really makes my day. To know that someone cares enough to check if I’m OK."

The retired warehouse distribution manager, said: "Catherine is very good for me. She doesn’t mind listening to my poetry!

“It’s made a real difference having someone to talk to.

"We can talk for an hour or more. The time passes very quickly when we’re chatting.”

45 year old Catherine, at home with her 10-month-old daughter, said: “It didn’t take long for us to strike up a rapport. Ron talks to me about his family, in particular his wife Doreen who he was married to for almost 60 years.

“Our phone calls give him a chance to talk, and hopefully help him out when he is feeling lonely.

“He reads me some of his poems too, and it’s so touching that he’s written one for me.

"I worked as a careers advisor in schools for 18 years and I think I honed my listening skills in that role."

The contact was arranged by Blackburn with Darwen Council and the Lancashire Volunteer Partnership.

There are currently 50 Telephone Befrienders supporting 56 people across the borough.

Cllr Mustafa Desai, the council's adult services boss, said: "“We are blessed to have people like Catherine who look for opportunities to help others."