AN outreach worker has been appointed to help Worcester-shire's voluntary sector access European funding aimed at strengthening local communities.

Employed by the West Midlands European Network, Rosemary Collie has taken up the post based at Malvern's Community First office, in Church Street.

She said: "I hope to be the friendly face on European funding who can help voluntary groups overcome some of the obstacles and apply for money from Europe. As I understand it, the issues are to make sure that the money that's available is supplied within the region to ensure we get our portion."

Any well established voluntary groups interested in finding out if money is available to them should contact Rosemary Collie on 01684 580860.