A CHARITY set up in memory of a 13-year-old Bewdley girl who died in a road crash is appealing for volunteers to help bereaved children.

The Brambles Trust is holding a meeting for those interested at Wribbenhall Community Centre, Shaw Hedge Road, Bewdley, on Monday from 6pm until 7pm.

The trust was set up in 1998 by Steve and Liz Fitzgerald in memory of daughter Claire, who died in the tragic M40 minibus crash of 1993.

Twelve youngsters and a teacher from Hagley High School lost their lives when their minibus ploughed into a stationary lorry on the M40 as they travelled back from London.

Trust director of family services Claire Stallard said: "Volunteers are absolutely vital to our work with families.

"They are alongside the young people in a whole range of activities both looking at their feelings after they have been bereaved and yet they help them have fun too."

The trust's bereavement support programme is based around a residential weekend therapeutic camp followed by a day of reflection.

Children's camps take place at the Frank Chapman Centre, Ribb-esford, Bewdley.

About a fifth of the trust's referrals come from Wyre Forest with the remainder coming from Redditch, Bromsgrove, Dudley, Shropshire and other areas.

Because Brambles Trust works with vulnerable children and young people there is a child protection policy which means prospective volunteers have an interview and a police check before they start work.

Anyone interested should go to the information evening or call 01299 402322.