DO you want to help those in need, develop new friendships and enjoy a variety of social activities?

Malvern Hills Lions Club may be just the thing for you.

The club has, since 1975, offered people the opportunity to give something back to the community.

It currently has some 30 members who volunteer their time for a wide range of community projects.

The club is one of 44,000 across 180 countries, which collectively make up Lions Clubs International, the world's largest such organisation.

Malvern Hills Lions Club raises over £10,000 annually from events such as Easter egg raffles, sponsored walks, golf tournaments, race nights and casino nights. The Christmas sleigh tour is always popular, as is the carol concert for the elderly.

Over 30 local organisations last year benefited from the club's activities, including Scouts and Guides, sports and gymnastic clubs and Malvern Special Families.

This year, members' efforts will assist the Acorn Childrens' Trust and other groups.

Last year, an extra £7,000 was raised by a Land's End to John O'Groats cycle ride - with proceeds going to the British Heart Foundation, Imperial Cancer Research and national arthritis and asthma societies.

The club collected more than 1,000 pairs of unwanted spectacles, which were sent overseas to help people in poorer countries.

Lions also help young people, with the annual Youth Award and Youth Exchange schemes, plus a rugby competition aimed at youngsters aged 11-13.

In November, Lions will be holding their fourth It's A Knockout competition at the Three Counties Showground for the clients of six Special Education Centres across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Membership of the Lions is by invitation, and they meet twice a month at the Abbey Hotel, Malvern, on the second and fourth Mondays.

Anyone wanting to find out more is cordially invited to an open evening on Monday, April 30, at the Abbey, starting at 7.45pm.