A public meeting about Malvern's health services tonight (Friday) has attracted a big interest.

The meeting, called by Malvern Town Council, gives residents the chance to quiz health bosses about the new hospital and other topics.

Question forms were printed in last Friday's Malvern Gazette and also sent out to households at the weekend. By Monday, at least 100 had been returned to the council.

Town clerk Richard Chapman said: "That's a really good response and we should get a good turnout."

Among the panellists is Paul Bates, acting chief executive of South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust, who said: "My colleagues and myself are looking forward to the meeting and welcome the opportunity to explain directly to the people of Malvern what actions we are taking which will influence their local health services.

"We expect to be asked searching questions about Malvern hospital, NHS dentistry and other topical issues and we shall do our very best to answer them."

Joining him will be trust chairman David Barlow, John Rostill, chief executive of the acute hospitals trust, MP Sir Michael Spicer, Coun Phillip Gretton, Dr James Mather and Coun Pat Merrick.

The meeting is at the Forum, Malvern Theatres, at 7pm.