Helston's MP is launching a series of public events this Saturday in a bid to "revitalise" Helston with new ideas.

Derek Thomas is working with town mayor Gillian Geer to hold events over the next couple of months, to get thoughts and ideas about what Helston needs, from a cross section of the community.

These will include local residents, businesses, charities and church groups.

Mr Thomas said: "There have been calls to increase support for Helston town centre and I am happy to do all I can to help make the town become vibrant and busy.

“There’s no doubt more that can be done to attract visitors, support local businesses and the local community by providing more in the way of shops and amenities.

“With the mayor’s support, I’ve put together a number of events designed to give people the opportunity to contribute their own ideas on how we can give Helston the lift it needs.

“I hope that townsfolk will come out in force to support these events as the local community will have the best ideas on how to tackle the issues which Helston faces.”

They begin this Saturday at the Central Methodist Church, with a "Future of Helston" drop-in session between 11am and 12.30pm, no appointment necessary.

This will be followed on Friday, February 9 with a drop-in event for business owners, held at the Mustard Seed between 2pm and 3pm.

On Friday, February 23, there will be a "Cornish Export" event at Marazion Community Centre from 8.30am to 11.15am, for businesses interested in finding out more about exporting - email derek.thomas.mp@parliament.uk to attend. The following day there will be a second "Future of Helston" drop-in at the Central Methodist Church, again from 11am to 12.30pm.

On Friday, March 9 there will be two events in Helston: a "Wine after Work" evening at Hellys Tea Room between 5.15pm and 6.30pm, for business networking, followed by an open public meeting at the Central Methodist Church from 7.15pm to 8.30pm.

Finally, there there will be a "Churches and Charities" drop-in sessions at the Methodist church from 10am to noon on Saturday, March 10.

These meetings are in addition to Mr Thomas's regular appointment surgeries on January 27, February 24 and March 17 from 10am. Call 01736 363038 to book an appointment.