FUNDRAISING for Parkinson's UK will get a boost as the charity has joined forces with the Rotary Club of Bredon Hill.

The Worcester and District Branch of Parkinson's UK have been chosen as the Rotary's charity of the year by current branch president Reverend Clive Parr.

And the president elect for 2015, Lynne Raymer, intends to carry on this work next year.

Basil Sellwood, volunteer fundraiser for the Worcester and District Branch Parkinson's UK, said working with them in this way clearly demonstrates how Rotary Clubs help their local community.

He added: "In our area there are approximately 1,700 known cases for which we have two specialist nurses and one information support worker.

"The latter is funded by Parkinson's UK. Helping them is a small dedicated number of volunteers.

"Naturally we both welcome and are excited by this new link with Rotary which has been kindly offered for the next 24 months.

"This should allow us sufficient time to arrange large fundraising events to ensure a better quality of life for those diagnosed with Parkinson's in this area."

Fundraising gets underway at the Pershore Plum Festival, followed by a quiz arranged for October 24 at Elmley Castle Village Hall, and a Christmas Concert on December 19 in Elmley Castle Church.

The Worcester Branch of Parkinson's group has a friendship group in Evesham, which meets the second Monday of each month.

For those diagnosed with Parkinson's call information support worker Belle Walker on 0844 2253646.