THE mayor of Malvern is looking for support as he prepares for a fund-raising 1,600 mile drive across Europe.

Coun Ian Hopwood will be getting behind the wheel and making the journey to Malvern’s twin town Mariánské Lázne, in the Czech Republic, in aid of Acorns Children’s Hospice.

He will be accompanied by Mark Young, of Malvern Civic Society, and will be driving a Skoda provided by sponsor Startin of Worcester, in Powick.

Coun Hopwood plans to fill his boot full of local produce including Malvern beer and spring water when he sets off on April 10.

Visiting Acorns in Bath Road, Worcester, to officially launch the initiative on Monday, he said: “A delegation from Mariánské Lázne visited Malvern in October, when a partnership agreement between the two towns was signed.

“As mayor of Malvern, I am making a reciprocal visit to raise funds for Acorns.

“We are not using the motorway, and the journey will take four days.”

Mandie Fitzgerald, community fund-raiser for Acorns, said: “It’s great that the mayor is giving up so much of his time to help raise funds to provide vital care for children at Acorns.

“It costs £750 a day to care for a child at Acorns, and the mayor’s trek will help us continue to provide specialised care and support for local children and families.”

To support Coun Hopwood’s drive visit justgiving.com/Ian-Hopwood.

Donations of £10 can also be made by texting UPQJ95£10 to 70070 and cheques can be sent to Malvern Town Council, 30 Belle Vue Terrace, WR14 4PZ, noting ‘RTML’ on the back.