VISITORS to the recently opened pop-in shop run by the Royal British Legion in Evesham are fewer in number than expected.

The shop, which opened in mid-April, is in the community centre at Wallace House, in Oat Street, and is open each Wednesday afternoon.

"We have found that a few more visitors are coming in to see us and chat about the way in which we can assist serving and ex-servicemen, but we are still well behind the number of inquiries we envisaged," said branch president, Jeff King.

"We invite anyone to come along and chat about the workings of the Legion and the way in which you can support our objectives in a practical and positive way. If you are recently retired and are looking for a “time filler”, then we will welcome your visit. The time you put in is entirely up to how much you can spare, whether it be one day or one evening per week. Should you wish to spend rather more than this helping out, you could become a volunteer welfare worker, visiting those in need in their homes and then putting your recommendations forward for attention. "Some really excellent courses are provided to help you settle into the world of welfare within The Royal British Legion. You need not become a member of the Legion to carry out this work but if this is the direction in which you would like to go, then you have the world at your feet."

Mr King added: "Of course, our prime objective of manning this pop-in shop is to encourage serving or those who have served, to come along and chat about how we can assist them if they are in difficulty over ill health, suffering the effects of serving in HM Forces or just the plain 'born too soon syndrome'. Whatever your problem, let us take the steps to help you out where possible."

The shop is open on Wednesday's between 12pm and 3pm.