The Bromsgrove branch of a cancer care charity is breaking new ground by taking over the running of the visitors' coffee shop at a local prison.

The Primrose Hospice is set to take over the coffee shop at Blakenhurst Prison next Tuesday. The facility is currently run by the Women's Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS).

The shop, which has been run by the WRVS for around 10 years, will change hands due to a change in operational strategy.

WRVS spokesperson, Debbie Udy said: "There were a number of interested parties but the prison and the WRVS were keen that a local charity should take over and we are delighted that Blakenhurst has selected the Primrose Hospice.

"In recognition of the excellent work that they do, we have agreed to donate to them all existing stock and equipment to give them a good start."

The charity has agreed to provide the service at the prison 362 days a year.

A range of beverages and snacks will be offered to the families and friends of inmates during visiting hours and prison staff will also be able to take advantage of the service outside normal visiting hours.

The coffee shop will be run by contract staff supplied by Access 2, the Redditch-based Recruitment Agency which has been working closely with the hospice over recent weeks.

Jane Wardman, the director of fundraising at the hospice, said: "This is a very exciting opportunity for us and another way of raising funds by offering a completely different type of service within the community.

"We are delighted to be working in partnership with Blakenhurst and I'm sure that both our organisations will benefit."