A simple model is constructed for the trapping of positrons by vacancies in metals. It is shown that this model can explain the dramatic temperature dependence of the positron mean lifetime in certain metals. The model predicts a double lifetime. It is argued that this effect should be measurable. Estimates of the vacancy formation energy have been made for In, Cd, Zn and Al, and in the three latter cases qualitative agreement is found with values obtained by other methods. © 1969.