OAPs affected by the Croydon riots are being taken on a free holiday.

The National Benevolent Fund for the Aged is taking 50 isolated older people from in and around Croydon on a five-day break to Eastbourne.

Many of those on the trip will have been directly affected by the August riots and it is hoped the vacation will make them feel less isolated.

The trip will include travel from a local pick up point to the destination, bed, breakfast, three course evening meal, nightly entertainment and daily excursions.

One beneficiary who went on the break-away last year said: “I am like a snail that has come out of its shell.

“I cannot thank NBFA enough.”

The charity is looking for people who wish to take them up on the offer and feel part of the community.

If you are over 60 years old, on a low income, have not been away for three years or more, and would like to go to Eastbourne from February 20 to 24, call NBFA on 0207 828 0200.