WORCESTER’S mayor has been hearing about the vital work being done at a hostel for the homeless – and has signed up to cook a fry-up at a forthcoming rough sleeping event.

St Paul’s Hostel in Worcester is home to 46 people who, for one reason or another, find themselves without a roof over their heads.

Councillor Roger Berry and his wife and mayoress Jill toured the building and sat down to speak face-to-face with the people who use the hostel, finding out about its work.

Robbie Porter, the hostel’s chairman, said: “We’ve discussed with Roger a number of opportunities for raising our profile and for helping to rais the funds needed to support the work that we do.

“We’re delighted to say he has agreed to come in and help cook breakfast for those taking part in our annual ‘Big Sleep Out’ challenge.”

The ‘Big Sleep Out’ will take place on Worcester’s College Green, near the cathedral, on Saturday and Sunday, July 21 and 22.

Coun Berry has a long-standing interest in housing and homelessness issues, having been a social worker before he retired.

He has also spoken previously of his desire “to highlight the need for accommodation for people in the county” during his mayoral year.

Before leaving, he was presented with a cake baked by Chris Auty, who used to be homeless but now works as a volunteer in the kitchen.