VOLUNTEERS are desperately needed by the Worcester area branch of Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

The group will be holding an afternoon tea party at the Whitehouse Hotel, Foregate Street, Worcester on Saturday, September 27 for people to find out how they can get involved.

Ivor Chambers, branch organiser, said they were finding it hard to find volunteers who were able to help out.

The 70-year-old, from Droitwich, said: "There are millions of tasks people can do - taking blind people with dogs to hospital appointments or vet appointments, boarding for dogs when their owner goes on holiday, puppy walking.

"It's a god way to meet people, it's a very social think to do.

"If you have a dog on the lead anyone approaching you often stops to talk."

Mr Chambers decided to get involved with Guide Dogs about five years when he retired.

"Volunteering was a way of giving structure to my life which can become quite isolating once you have retired."

Guide Dogs week will be taking place from Saturday, October 4 and Mr Chambers said the group planned to hold a collection in Worcester High Street.

The tea party will take place from 2pm to 5pm and for more information on the event or volunteering call Mr Chambers on 01905 795461.

Alternatively, log on to guidedogs.org.uk to find out how to get involved.