Service users of an Age UK day centre were in "tears" after they were told the charity could not afford to keep it open.

The branch in Gravesend announced it would be shutting its day service at the end of the month due to a change in Kent County Council (KCC) funding.

But new provider of community wellbeing Involve Kent says it will still be supporting over 55s in the borough and has invited organisations to join forces.

Jean Glanfield, 80, who goes to the Age UK day centre in Clarence Row twice a week, said: "It was a shock for us. Everybody was in tears, it is really upsetting.

"It has come as such a shock. It is the last thing we expected and was quite sad for us all. I have a lot of friends I won't get to see anymore if I do not go down there.

"It is a good way to keep us busy and keep our minds active. There are a lot of them who have not got anyone. I am lucky I have got my daughters."

Jean lives in Springhead Road, Northfleet, with her children Marie and Debbie but due to mobility issues requires transport to and from the centre.

Daughter Marie Glanfield added: "It fulfils her. It gives her a reason to get out and about. I worry she will not want to without it.

"I would say it is a lifeline, just talking at the end of a phone is not the same as meeting up.

"When at home, mum moves from one room to another but when she went to the centre they got her moving around more. It was more stimulating than sitting here and watching TV. It just will not be the same."

The 45-year-old said the volunteers at Age UK have been "fantastic" and were checking up on all their members during the pandemic.

News of the closure came after a change in the way KCC funds voluntary and community organisations after it recognised "that although there was a good range of services and support, they were not always consistent or based on local populations’ needs."

Following a consultation at the end of 2019, the council decided to award contracts to successful providers rather than closed grants.

It encouraged local groups to work together to form partnerships to bid for the new contracts which would come in by April 1. A spokesman added: "Unfortunately Age UK declined this offer."

Christine Postings, 84, who lives around Perry Street also attends the Gravesend day centre three times a week.

Her son Alan, 47, said it helped her recovery after his dad passed away in 2018. He added: "She had never really lived life on her own. It took her nearly a year to recover and the Age UK became her outlet.

"It was a place to go. She had friends there and she loves all the things they do. It became an absolute lifeline and the thought of it going is devastating."

Despite the day centre's closure, new provider Involve Kent will be contracting a wide range of organisations to deliver services right across Gravesham.

Anyone over 55 or with a long-term health condition can get in touch with its wellbeing team to access activities, support and advice including bereavement groups, social activities, befriending and advice.

It also has an open offer to all organisations which hold or held historic KCC grants to work with it as funded partners on the new contract.