A KIND-hearted woman will be continuing her voluntary work with youngsters, despite retiring as chairman for the Worcestershire branch of the National Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).

Sandy Ellis, a mother of two from Eckington, near Pershore, has helped raise £620,000 for the charity during her 11 years in office.

She retires from her position at the end of November but will be continuing work as a branch vice-president.

"I decided it was time for me to step down for new blood,'' said Mrs Ellis.

"We did a lot of fund-raising and promoting the NSPCC in the area while I was chairman.

"Some of our fund-raising was from coffee mornings, and tin rattling events. We also sponsored a team for the London Marathon, which was very successful."

The NSPCC specialises in child protection and the prevention of cruelty to children.

It gives information, advice and counselling about children's safety.

Children are helped by the NSPCC for a number of reasons including family difficulties, and for problems such as psychological abuse.

Caroline Lechmere, is the new chairman of the branch, covering Worcester and Kidderminster.