care services in Malvern are set to improve, thanks to the introduction of a new post to integrate the health service and social services in the area.

Worcestershire County Council has employed Paul Purnell (pictured) as a locality manager, as part of a review of services for adults and people with physical disabilities.

His aim is to better integrate the work of the South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust and Social Services, although initially his work will be centred on Malvern Community Hospital.

"It's very exciting really," said Mr Purnell. "If it's done properly you can end up with a team that's more than the sum of its parts.

"We can be more effective in our efforts to support older people and disabled people in their own homes, which by and large is our primary objective."