AN initiative created by Malvern's Community Action to help elderly people has been praised at the national level.

Last June, Community Action volunteer Malli Wadge spent her 60th birthday sitting in a cage, designed as a comfortable sitting room, in order to demonstrate how social isolation within a person's own home can feel.

The stunt was part of a campaign, Stuck in? Get out!, aimed at getting elderly residents out of their homes and involved in community activities.

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin nominated Community Action for an award in celebrating public health excellence, and this week, representatives of the charity visited the House of Commons to meet Health Minister Jane Ellison.

Mrs Baldwin said: "“I am delighted that Community Action’s work has been recognised at a national level and it was wonderful to be able to celebrate this achievement with Susie and Malli.

“Elderly people living in our beautiful rural countryside often live alone so it is great to see initiatives like ‘Stuck In, Get Out’ in operation to try and help out.

“I have always said that West Worcestershire is lucky to have so many volunteers willing to give their time to help out and this recognition by the Government goes a little way to say an official thank you to everyone involved and to encourage even more volunteering.”

Chris Kirk , chair of Community Action, said: "Our team of staff and volunteers totally deserve the award, and we thank both Harriett Baldwin and the local community for their support."