THE Red Cross has issued a desperate plea for volunteers after a previous appeal fell on deaf ears.

The Kidderminster group may be unable to cover major events in the district unless volunteers swell its rank.

It appealed last month in the Shuttle/Times and News for new members to cover key events.

However, it failed to receive a single response.

The service, based at Park Street, operates a first-aid group, disabled club, medical loan service and therapeutic care.

Centre manager Mike Gregg said: "It was disappointing not to get any response but we understand free time is at a premium for many people because of work commitments.

"We desperately need new blood to boost our ranks. Anyone is welcome from the age of 15 upwards."

He added: "We provide cover at various events. For instance, the Severn Valley Railway requires us at between 18 to 20 events during the year.

"The same people are having to cover all the time. If we had more members we could operate a rota system.

"We are in a situation where we can't take on any more events unless we get more support."

Mr Gregg, 55, who has been at the Red Cross since he was 15, said volunteers would receive on-going first-aid training.

Drivers are also needed to transport members of a disabled club which meets at the Red Cross headquarters every Tuesday.

Anyone interested in helping out should call Mr Gregg on 01562 636084 or call into the headquarters on Tuesday evening.