VIEWERS tuning into BBC One last Thursday expecting to see Otley Action for Older People (OAOP) featured on the BBC show Rip Off Britain were left disappointed.

The charity had been informed the item - filmed earlier in the year - would be broadcast on the morning of October 5, however they did not appear, causing great disappointment.

Joe Woollin, the charity's Digital Inclusion Development Worker explains: "As the clock crept closer to the end of the episode at 10am, I began to get nervous. My heart fell when the credits rolled. I contacted the series producer who apologised profusely and corrected themselves again; the episode will be on air on Thursday, October 12, 2023."

The item was filmed at the charity’s office in central Otley to record members tackling a range of day-to-day technological challenges.

OAOP members carried out online tasks to highlight the difficulties faced by elderly people using modern technology with no support.

The charity says the results of the BBC’s testing demonstrated that where online access is implemented, it must be done with due consideration of all stakeholders, to produce simple and intuitive processes with guidance throughout.

The charity’s Digital Inclusion worker hopes the television coverage will draw attention to what he describes as “a pressing issue which is yet to be sufficiently addressed as technological progression continues apace”.

The charity urges anyone over the age of 60 and living within the areas of Otley, Pool and Arthington to get in touch if they require support with technology.

Rip Off Britain will be on BBC One at 9.15am on Thursday, October 12.