A CHARITY for the elderly could face axing its weekend meals service if it does not attract more help.

The number of volunteers delivering meals to older people in the Worcester area on behalf of Age Concern has declined so much it has reached "crisis point".

"We're really desperate - if we don't get more volunteers soon we'll have to discontinue the service," said Val Stokes, chief officer for Age Concern Worcester and District.

Age Concern has been delivering meals to elderly people on Saturdays and Sundays and bank holidays for 10 years.

During the week, the meals are delivered by the Women's Royal Voluntary Services.

"The people utilising the service are very frail, elderly people who can't cook for themselves," said Mrs Stokes.

"If the service were to stop they wouldn't eat on weekends."

The situation has deteriorated recently because a lot of volunteers have had to leave on account of their age.

"Our volunteers are all older people themselves," said Mrs Stokes.

"They get to 70 and their car insurance is too high so they give their vehicles up, and it's all happened at once. We've lost a lot of people recently."

Mrs Stokes said one-and-a-half hours at a weekend every two to three weeks were all that were needed.

"The deliveries are worked out on a rota system and because it's only on weekends, it means people who work in the week can do it," she added.

"We would be extremely grateful for any amount of time that people can spare."

Volunteers are needed "immediately" for three areas: Cranham Drive, St Stephen's (Barbourne) and Timberdine/Bath Road.

Volunteers must have a car for which Age Concern will pay expenses.

Anyone who can help should call Val Stokes on 01905 428889 or 428887.