CLEOBURY Mortimer's Pioneer Centre will host a national convention aimed at helping people caught up with domineering cults or frightening occult experiences.

Up to 100 delegates from all over the country are expected to attend the event, organised by the Reachout Trust, next month.

The trust, now in its 20th year, has held its annual convention at the centre for several years.

It attracts a mixture of people, some of whom have been personally affected by cults or the occult, or have seen family or friends caught up in such activities, or who just want to help.

Reachout organiser, Doug Harris, said there had been a 23 per cent increase in calls for help to the trust between 2002 and 2003 and a further 29 per cent rise already this year.

The convention will take place from Friday, November 12 to Sunday, November 14.

Anyone wishing to attend should contact the trust on 0870 7703258 for more details.