A FORMER Mayor of Worcester says he is intent on easing the plight of lonely, vulnerable people in the city - vowing to leave a legacy.

Councillor Alan Amos, who has just handed over the mayoral chains, last year launched his novel 'Come on in' project which provides luncheon and social get-togethers led by the community.

So far a whopping £60,000 has been either spent or earmarked towards the clubs, which are being hosted by churches or other community-based organisations.

Councillor Amos' aim is to carry on with the project, saying he wants it to develop into a thriving Worcester-wide initiative so lonely people across the city can benefit.

The idea was started after research revealed more than 50,000 over-60s in Worcestershire say they often feel lonely.

Councillor Amos said: "We started last August with national reports highlighting that there are over 50,000 people in the county aged over 60 who feel lonely.

"With those sorts of figures we had to do something.

"So I set up my 'Come on in' project as an invitation for community organisations to help me combat this issue."

Since he launched the idea it is now starting to develop its own steam, with Councillor Amos calling for cross-party political support to take it on further.

"I am delighted that 'Come on in' is an initiative which is going to stay with us, and is clearly going to access funds to make it sustainable," he said.

"I believe this is the type of project that everybody will want to support and will reach across all political parties in the city as it continues its development.

"It is so exciting to realise that this is just the beginning of something expected to become permanent in the city."

This coming Thursday, June 11 from 1.30pm St Wulstan's Church in Cranham Drive, Warndon, the location where the first 'Come on in' event was set up, will be hosting another luncheon event with elderly residents.

For more details on how it works or if you want to get involved yourself, email alan.amos@worcester.gov.uk.

Last month Conservative Councillor Roger Knight became the new Mayor of Worcester.