WEST Malvern is planning a special event to mark the Olympic Games this summer, and the search is on for volunteers to help out.

The date for your diary is Sunday, June 24, and the event is the West Malvern Olympicnic, which aims to combine a traditional school-style sports day with a community get-together.

Organising it is resident Anna Brook, who said: “It’s something I really want to do, having grown up in West Malvern and having lots of fond memories of village events when I was a child. I want to give the children of today something to remember.”

She has been working closely with Karen Surrell, head of West Malvern Primary School, and with Regents Theological College, which has offered its grounds as the venue.

“We’re going to build it around a traditional sports day, with the schoolchildren playing a big part, but there will be plenty to do for people of all ages, whether they’re sporty or not.

“For the serious sportspeople, there will be a triathlon using Regent College’s pool, but there will also be things like water bucket races. Regents College have been amazing and really supportive. We hope that all kinds of groups from West Malvern get involved, such as the WI, the gardening club, and the regulars of the Brewers Arms.

“People from beyond West Malvern will be equally welcome.”

The organisers would welcome two or three more people to get involved in the planning and preparations, as well as volunteers for the day itself.

They are also on the lookout for local firms who want to get involved as sponsors or in other capacities. The event is being organised with support from the Community Games Partnership.

Anyone who can help or who would like to know more should contact anna@iapetus.co.uk.