KEEN cooks from Bredon, near Pershore, have been busy putting recipe ideas into the melting pot to produce a book in aid of St Richard's Hospice.

Forty people have contributed their favourite recipes to make up the 80 tasty treats featured in the new cookbook, which is being launched at 7pm tomorrow at Bredon Village Hall. Guests at the launch will be tempted by tastings of the dishes featured in the book, which will be sold locally for £5 a copy.

Organisers will also be announcing the winner of the title of the book, who will receive a small prize.

St Richard's Hospice community fundraiser Alison Weston said: "It's a lovely idea for so many people to help create the cookbook.

"I'm sure it will be a great success and we are very grateful to all those who put in the time and effort to make it happen.

"All the funds raised from the book will help the hospice care for our patients and families who are living with cancer and other life-threatening illness."

St Richard's Hospice is currently based at Rose Hill, Worcester, and offers free services for patients with cancer and other life threatening illnesses.

A new hospice is is due to open for patients in the autumn. Fund-raisers need to generate the £2.8m which will be needed annually to provide the specialist care and support for patients and families.