ONE of Britain's first cannabis cafs could be opened by a former Worcester newsagent.

Two supporters of the drug's medicinal benefits aim to open up a caf where people who use cannabis for pain relief can socialise.

Chris Hyde and Julian Tindle both use the Class B drug to help alleviate pain from arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

Now they want to open up a venue in Kidderminster for other like-minded people.

"We won't sell cannabis until the law says we can," said Mr Hyde, who ran a newsagent's in Tolladine before he was crippled by his illness.

"We'll sell refreshments and legal drug paraphernalia.

"I want to get back to work. The only way I can is by setting up my own business."

Mr Hyde, who is 36, has had to move to a bungalow in Blakedown, near Kidderminster, because he has difficulty walking.

"There are more dangerous drugs on the market, such as tobacco and alcohol," he said.

"We've had a lot of medical support so it's only a matter of time before it's legalised.

"A lot of people who need cannabis can't get out or go to work.

"You get stuck indoors, so a caf would be a good way to socialise."

At the moment, he and 26-year-old Mr Tindle are looking for financial backing and suitable premises.

Kidderminster police said they were aware of the proposals.

"West Mercia Constabulary has no objection to the medicinal use of cannabis under the direction of a qualified medical practitioner and we welcome national clinical trials that are currently in progress for such use," said a police spokesman.

"However, the medicinal use of cannabis falls a long way short of a 'coffee shop' proposal."

Kidderminster police say that, even if cannabis is reclassified as a Class C drug, as recently proposed by Home Secretary David Blunkett, possession would still be an offence.

Wyre Forest District Council said it would only be involved in the planning process.

"It's simply a matter for the police," said Jake Berriman, head of planning and environment.