LOCAL woman Pam Smout is the new fundraising officer for Kemp Hospice.

The former head teacher of an infant school in Somerset, she moved into the Teme Valley three years ago with her husband Martin and their three sons.

"I am delighted to be given the opportunity to take up this new challenge and look forward to working with everyone at Kemp, particularly in the Tenbury area community," says Pam.

Keen to get involved in working with schools and the local community, one of Pam's first projects is to publish a Kemp Hospice book of poems with contributions from children in the Kidderminster and Tenbury areas.

These are expected to be ready for sale by the summer term.

Pam is also organising the Kemp Hospice Garden Fair, which is due to take place at Bodenham Arboretum, Wolverley, on April 24 and 25.

Alan Ierston, head of marketing and fundraising commented: "Kemp relies on over 85% of its income coming from voluntary donations and, with Pam now on board, this presents a greater opportunity to assist with and to develop more donor projects. I was pleased to appoint Pam to the post.

"She has been secretary of our fundraising group in Tenbury Wells, raising money for the Kemp Day Hospice at the community hospital."

Described as a 'very energetic and enthusiastic individual' by her friends and associates, Pam is also chairperson of the Eastham Fete and Flower Show and serves on Eastham Parochial Church Council, and the RNLI Committee.

Her main leisure pursuits are gardening, sailing, walking, swimming and skiing.

Pam can be contacted on 01562 865105.