STAFF and regulars at a Kidderminster pub are pitting their wits to support another customer's bid to raise cash for children's charities across the West Midlands.

When dad-of-three, Lloyd Laskey, announced over a drink he was taking part in the annual Run for Home charity event and asked for sponsorship, the landlady of the King Billy Pub said she would be happy to help.

Two months later, preparations for a fun day at the pub, in St John's Street, are coming to a head and everyone is invited.

The event, which starts at noon on Saturday and finishes at closing time, will feature pool and chaser competitions, as well as a raffle, barbecue and quiz compiled by the customers.

Debbie said: "Lloyd came in to see us and asked if we would help and I spoke to different people who came into the pub and they said they would like to do a charity day."

She added: "We've spent about two months trying to sort it all out. Some regulars are sorting out the quiz, others are sorting out the pool and chaser competitions and different members of staff are coming in on the day and working for nothing.

"It should be good fun but we need as much support as we can get, so anyone is welcome."

Lloyd and neighbour, Nigel Warrington, who are taking part in Run for Home on June 20 with two workmates, have taken part in the event for the last two years and raised around £600 on both occasions.

The annual event is organised by Birmingham radio station, Heart FM, and sees around 250 teams of four being dropped off at a mystery destination in the UK. They then have to find their way back to Birmingham without any money or means of transport.

Father-of-three Lloyd, of Norton Road, Kidderminster, said: "The original idea was just to take a sponsorship form into the King Billy and ask for money but it's escalated from there.

"The money is going to Heart FM's own charity, The First Steps Appeal, which gets distributed to different charities in the West Midlands."

More information on the fun day can be obtained by calling the King Billy on 01562 740169.

l Four workers from The Ridgeway community home in Stourport are also taking part in the Run for Home and have appealed to Wyre Forest business for sponsorship.

The team consists of nurse, Teresa Newman, trainee nurse, Andrew Cotterall, and care assistants, Kate Sallis and Jeannie Maggs.

Anyone hoping to help can contact Teresa on 01299 823429.