KIDDERMINSTER'S new mayor hopes to turn the spotlight on small charities and voluntary groups during her year in office.

Helen Dyke said there were numerous small organisations working extremely hard but without the recognition enjoyed by the bigger charities.

As mayoress to the late Councillor Steve Roberts when he was mayor several years ago, she is well aware of the efforts of many groups in the town.

Her chosen charities for the year are the Brambles Trust, which helps bereaved children, and the War Memorial Trust of which she is a founder trustee.

She hopes her appointment as Kidderminster's first lady will do something to bolster the past reputation of Harry Cheshire High School - now renamed Baxter College.

"As mayor of Kidderminster I can say I attended Harry Cheshire and it stood me in good stead for my future life, as a councillor and as mayor. A lot of good pupils have come from there," she said.

The double act with councillor husband Peter continues as he becomes her consort. He was re-elected to the district council to serve alongside her in Aggborough and Spennells as Liberal Democrats in May, a year after losing his seat.

Mrs Dyke works as a sales assistant at Pottery Plus in the Swan Centre and has two children, Lindsey, 22, and 18-year-old Alex.

"When I was growing up I thought you had to be either very important or very rich to be mayor. I am neither which proves anyone can aspire to be a councillor and a mayor if they are prepared to work for it," added Mrs Dyke.