ABOUT 100 guests enjoyed an alfresco sausage sizzle when they attended a Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire open day.

Designed to show off the chamber's new head offices, in Warndon, Worcester, the Wednesday's event included tours of the building and a brief resume on each of the major departments.

MP for Worcester Mike Foster was the special guest and helped the chamber's chief executive Christine Jones cut the celebratory cake.

The chamber of commerce moved to the new offices in Prescott Drive, Worcester, in March, having previously been housed in offices in Castle Street in the city centre.

Christine Jones said: "It was a great day and well worth doing, I think, if only to give people a glimpse in to the several functions of the chamber of commerce.

"The Chamber of Commerce, which also has an office in Holmer, Road, Hereford, operates on many different levels - from discussing members' issues with MPs to bespoke training courses and networking events, and of course, impartial expert business advice and support.

"The open day was a celebration of everything we do for our members and the business community at large. Small to medium businesses are the backbone of the economy and we are here to help them every step of the way."

Mike Foster MP said it was an honour to be asked to officially open the chamber's new offices as he worked very closely with them on business issues affecting the two counties.

He said: "I know what an important part businesses play in the two counties. They give my constituents jobs and through the money they pay back to the Government, they allow us to implement our social policies in the area.

"I know from dealing with the chamber on a regular basis what an enormous amount they do for businesses and I am very pleased to be here today and be a part of this new chapter in the chamber's history."