AS residents and staff of Laira Court, in Orford, bade a fond farewell to their friend and neighbour Eric Deeley last week, he promised to keep in touch.

But just to make sure he sticks to his word, his friends presented the former policeman with a mobile phone so that he doesn't have any excuses.

And the thoughtful gift did the trick as 86-year-old Mr Deeley got in touch as soon as he arrived at his new home in New Mexico, America, where he will live with his daughter and her family.

Scheme manager Roz Livesey said: "Eric was very popular here and the ladies were always fighting for his affections.

"He has a very dry sense of humour and kept us all laughing so he will be missed. We clubbed together to buy him the phone to make sure he could keep in touch. It sounds like he's very happy there and the weather will be good for his health."

The scheme held a send off party for Eric last Wednesday before he flew out to New Mexico the following day clutching his mobile phone.