A call for more civic participation by townsfolk has been made by John Stevens, Kidderminster's Mayor elect.

And Mr Stevens invited people to attend the mayor making at the town hall next Thursday, June 24 at 7.30pm when he will be installed as the town's first citizen.

He said: "A lot of people think it's not for them when you mention civic occasions, but it isn't how it should be. Remove the barriers, that's what I will be encouraging."

Born in Stourport, he moved to Kidderminster 17 years ago and became a district councillor eight years later.

He currently serves on the human resources committee, the scrutiny committee for the environment and development, planning enforcement committee and is a member of the modernisation task group.

He also serves as a governor at St Mary's First and St Oswald's First schools and is on the management committee for the Horsefair Family Community Centre.

Married with one son, 16, he is an engineer craftsman and an Amalgamated Engineering and Electrical Union (AEEU) official and safety representative and former branch secretary.

When not working or engaged in trade union work, Mr Stevens supports the junior PHAB group which he has chosen as one of his mayoral charities. The others are Childline Midlands and Kemp Hospice.

A keen walker, he has not let foot and mouth stop him getting out and about, using roads where footpaths are closed. He will be walking in Scotland this weekend.