TWO local charities have been adopted by the Mayor of Worcester as his charities for the year.

Councillor Robert Rowden chose the Worcester Association for the Blind and St Richard's Hospice.

"One reason is because they are both local charities," said his wife and Mayoress, Councillor Hope Rowden.

"And obviously the hospice is a very deserving charity because it does not get NHS help."

The Mayor's charities received their first donations from Col Sgt Pete Elcock, of Worcester Army Careers Office, raised by Worcester College of Technology students who took part in sponsored walks along the Malvern Hills.

n Left to right, Sandy Bannister, director of Worcester Association for the Blind, with Flora the dog, Jeannie Young, chairman of St Richard's Hospice, Mayor Robert Rowden, Mayoress Hope Rowden, Hannah Phoenix, assistant environmental officer and Col Sgt Pete Elcock ,from Worcester Army Careers office. Picture by Martin Humby. 25235901