That’s Life TV host and ChildLine founder Esther Rantzen visited a sheltered housing complex in Gravesend for a cream tea.

Celebrating being open 25 years, the residents at St James Oaks in Trafalgar Road, Gravesend, met Ms Rantzen, 73, on Friday afternoon.

That evening she was the guest of 76 members of the Gravesend and Meopham Rotary Club for a fundraising dinner at the Best Western Manor Hotel, Hever Court Road, Gravesend.

She was helping raise funds for charities supported by Rotary as well as for her older people’s charity, Silver Line, a number that older people will be able to ring if they are lonely or need help or reassurance.

The service is expected to be launched in November.

Ms Rantzen said: “At the Silver Line we believe older people have a great deal to offer, and deserve respect, and we have proved during our pilots that by offering information and friendship, we can support older people, and lift their confidence and self-esteem.”

The Rotarians plan to donate £1,000 to Silver Line and gave her a bottle of champagne and flowers for her talk.