Most tourists never venture across the Severn from Worcester city centre - but if they did they'd find a self-contained little community of independent shops where time seems to have stood still.

Andrea Calvesbert visits St John's. Pictures by Martin Humby.

Mention Worcester, and the city centre and cathedral immediately spring to mind.

But there is a whole thriving community on the opposite side of the river which feels like a village in the midst of the city.

St. John's has a wealth of shops catering for all needs as well as doctors' surgeries, dentists, solicitors, accountants, hairdressers, dry-cleaners, banks, an optician, chiropodist, osteopath... the list is endless.

Every essential service you could wish for is here, with a wonderful community atmosphere to go with it.

This sense of community and independence from Worcester itself harks back to an earlier age.

St John's was originally an independent township and has only been part of Worcester since 1837. As an independent area, it was allowed its own fair yet it played an important role in supporting the city by providing lodging houses for Welsh people who at one time were not allowed to sleep in the city. It also had a bullring used for cattle going to be slaughtered.

Today, even though it is very much part of Worcester, St John's feels like a community by itself.

Leisure facilities also abound. The most obvious is Worcestershire County Cricket Club at the bottom end of St John's.

There is also the swimming pool and the golf range at Lower Wick, the sports centre in Swanpool Lane, and many other activities on offer including ten pin bowling, fitness clubs, and well-being clinics. Young people are catered for too, with four junior schools and a comprehensive and many youth groups including Scouts and Brownies.

With such a range of shops and amenities on offer within a short walk of the centre of the city, maybe it is time for a stroll across the river.

St john's shop file

1. Ogle's chemist

One of the best-known businesses in St John's is Ogle's the chemist, set up by popular local businessman Dennis Ogle, 33 years ago.

The dispensing area and front shop were recently refurbished, with a waiting area and private consultation room added and extra space for stock.

In addition to the more traditional aspects of a pharmacy, Ogle's is known for homeopathy, herbal remedies, skincare, fragrances, cosmetics, jewellery and a selection of giftware.

Mr Ogle showed his commitment to St John's last year when he lent his voice to a campaign against the number of empty shops nearby, and also said a supermarket was needed to breathe new life into the area.

He said: "Some stores worry about competition, but we need to complement each other. There are 20,000 people this side of the river. They could park there, do their shopping, then come into St John's and get their prescriptions, or flowers or organise funeral details with the rest of the shopping."

St john's shop file

2. Narraway's butcher

Independent butchers are few and far between these days, but one that has stood the test of time is Narraway's, whose green-and-white striped awning in St John's has been a beacon for gourmets for 28 years.

"Customers come from miles around to buy home-made pies and sausages because we know what's in them," said owner Ian Narraway. "Ten different types of sausages are made on the premises, including pork and leek and lamb and mint."

Unusual cheeses are stacked on shelves in the delicatessen, including apple wood smoked, Scrumpy Jack, mango and Stilton and Somerset brie.

"I think people are getting fed up with going to the superstores," added Mr Narraway, who employs six full-time staff and two part-timers.

"I am seeing an increasing trend of people coming in here to buy their meat, which is great for independent retailers like myself. I am delighted to sell good food to people who appreciate it and who want to experience the same old-fashioned values that we offer."