A CHURCH which supports mission activities abroad is rallying forces to help the needy in its own community.

Mosley Common St John's sidesman Graham Ridge wants to form a group of volunteers following a meeting with a social services representative at Fourways Assessment Centre in Tyldesley.

He says the church is generous in financially supporting mission activities but feels it should be involved in action aimed at giving practical help to the less privileged in the local area.

Helpers are needed for gardening and small handyman jobs, befriending, cleaning, driving aged and disabled people to see relatives in hospital or to doctor's appointments, minor furniture removing and teaching skills like photography and computing.