A NEW social group has been set up to bring together younger people in Malvern.

The non-profit-making group is for 20 to 49-year-olds and will be officially launched on Tuesday, June 12.

Members can enjoy monthly social evenings, and a varied programme of events, from theatre and cinema trips to walks and boat cruises.

The group is the brainchild of Cradley couple Simon and Nichola Brown, along with Aine Kelly, from Malvern.

Twenty-six year-old Aine, who has lived in Malvern for the past decade, said: "I believe there's little here for the younger age group and this new social group will meet the needs of many people."

The Browns moved to Cradley from the North East last autumn and are keen to meet new people to socialise with.

"Since we've moved to the area, we've met some very kind people, who've made us extremely welcome," said Nichola, 34.

"But they tend to be much older, and we're very keen to meet younger people who share the same interests as us. It's time for the younger people to have something for themselves."

Group membership is free and organisers are keen to stress that it is not a dating club.

A website has already been set up, at http://groups.myspace.com/ malvernsocial.

The launch night is at 7.30pm in the upstairs function room of the Mount Pleasant Hotel, on Belle Vue Terrace.

People attending are asked to register beforehand by calling Simon on 01886 880922 or e-mailing malvernsocial@hotmail.co.uk.