A LOCAL charity, set up for Ledbury residents, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month.

Community Action Ledbury (CAL) began life in 1985 and was, and remains the only registered charity with the sole focus of meeting the needs of Ledbury people.

In April this year, CAL put on an emergency minibus service, from Ledbury to Colwall Post Office, when Ledbury Post Office was closed for refurbishment.

And during the last three decades, Community Action Ledbury has helped to develop volunteering projects and support new voluntary groups to develop and grow.

Tess Brook's, CAL's Chief Executive said: "Some of the many successful local projects over the 30 years have included helping to get Age Concern launched in Ledbury, campaigning for better access for individuals with disabilities, adult literacy projects, supporting careers, home visiting and befriending schemes.

"Today at a mature 30 years old, Community Action Ledbury goes from strength to strength working with individuals, groups and villages to use volunteering as a way of building stronger and happier communities. The work of CAL varies from small one off projects to larger long term projects which provide a service for the community."

She added: "It is a real testament to Ledbury that CAL has been running for 30 years and still makes as much of a positive impact on the community today as when it first began. CAL can only run these services and projects for the community because of the hard work and dedication of our volunteers. With increasing demand on all of our services we are always in need of volunteers wishing to give a few hours of their time to help others in the community."

During the last year, CAL supported a project in Wellington Heath to clear a patch of waste land and develop a play area for local children. This project was led by David Darwood and a group of volunteers with funding from Biffa. CAL also supported the development of a local Stroke group to get up and running with the help of CAL’s Reach project."

Services run by CAL include the Volunteer Centre, Mobility Centre, Ring and Ride Scheme and Community Transport.

Ring and Ride is a voluntary cars scheme where volunteers use their own cars to provide transport for medical appointments and social needs for people who are unable to use public transport or for whom no such service is available.

Community Transport minibuses are available with a driver during the week, evenings and weekends for other charitable organisations, clubs, societies, voluntary and community groups, schools and colleges and play a fundamental part in keeping people in our community moving.

The Mobility Centre provides a variety of mobility aids from walking sticks to electric wheelchairs and other equipment for residents and visitors to Ledbury.

Further information on 01531 635339 or at caledbury.org.uk