CARING residents are needed to share their talents in DIY or the garden with the town's elderly folk.

Age Concern wants people to back a new scheme operating in Droitwich Spa and surrounding villages.

The initiative aims to help older residents maintain their homes by providing volunteers with handy-person or gardening skills.

Age Concern, which is based in St Andrew's Street, hopes it can help the elderly with odd jobs and tasks which they find difficult to cope with.

The charity's chief officer in Droitwich, Sandra Crawford, said: "We have been aware of this unmet need by the constant flow of requests over the past few years.

"Being unable to cope with a garden or tasks that become too difficult in older age is often the reason for older people entering care, long before they really need to do so.

"This scheme will enable many people to remain independent in their own homes, as well as enhancing the local environment.

"No-one enjoys seeing neglected gardens so whole neighbourhoods will benefit from this," she added.

For further details about the scheme call Sandra on 01905 772126.