WYRE Forest residents are being urged to start the new year by volunteering with the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.

The conservation organisation relies on more than 400 volunteers to help with their work across the county.

Scott Dallow, volunteer co-ordinator for the trust, said: "Our volunteers are absolutely vital and are involved in almost every single aspect of our work.

"We have got loads of opportunities for people who want to join in - from working off Christmas puddings on nature reserves, to helping inspire children about the wonderful wildlife we have here in Worcestershire.

"This is the time of year when we are all looking to try something new, give up our bad habits and look afresh at the year ahead - volunteering offers all that and more.

"Why not shake off the January blues and make volunteering your number one new year resolution."

Many of the trust's volunteers undertake practical conservation work on the nature reserves across the county - offering the chance to get fit, keep healthy and take in plenty of fresh air, as well as directly helping wildlife.

The volunteering group at Wilden Marsh, near Kidderminster and Stourport, are in particular need of help - and meet on the last Sunday and second Tuesday of the month. A taster session for new volunteers is being held on Sunday (January 15).

For more information about volunteer opportunities at the trust, visit worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/volunteer-opportunities or call Scott on 01905 754919.