A newly-launched scheme north of the border will allow elderly residents to stay in contact with their carers via a broadband connection.

In a ground-breaking pilot, two flats in Angus have been linked up to a care monitoring centre, reports Aberdeen's Press and Journal.

Now pensioners will be able to contact the centre via their TV sets which will be equipped with broadband connectivity.

Explaining the inspiration behind the new system, social worker and councilor Alison Andrews told the newspaper: "This initiative is a significant step forward in enabling older people to remain independent within their own homes, safe in the knowledge that they can see and speak with a carer or family member at the touch of a button."

The news follows the announcement that 2,000 old people in Essex living in council accommodation are to be provided with computers and broadband connections.