A HORTICULTURAL group from Kidderminster that has raised thousands of pounds over the years for good causes is looking for new members to join its dedicated group.

Kidderminster Horticultural Society (KHS) has been established for more than 100 years and has hundreds of members already on the books.

But the society said it was looking to swell the numbers even further to help them carry on the work they do and reach an even larger audience.

KHS hosts two shows every year, the biggest of which is the Country Fair & Horticultural Show in September. This is held on the grounds of the Mercure Hotel and regularly attracts in excess of 2,000 visitors.

A smaller summer show is staged in July at the Holy Innocents Centre too.

July also sees green-fingered members showing off their impressive work during the Kidderminster Open Gardens Day. This event raises more than £4,000 each year for a range of local charities.

In addition to this, they hold talks – usually on a gardening theme – every month at Holy Innocents Centre, run regular coach outings and hold monthly meetings of the Floral Art Group.

Sue Cooke, from KHS, said: “We have been around for more than 100 years now and with a current membership of around 600, it makes us a pretty large gardening club, with a broad appeal to all gardeners out there.

“But there may be people who are interested and want to find out more. Our aim is to be a warm and welcoming society and we think we achieve that. We’d love more people to join us.”

Membership runs from January to December and fees are £3.50 for people aged and £5 for those aged under 60. An additional £1 covers spouse or partner at the same address.

Membership can be obtained at John Beard’s Hardware Store in Bridge Street, Kidderminster, or at The Stourport Photo Centre in High Street, Stourport.

People can find out more by visiting the KHS website at www.horticultural.org.uk