Over the past week it has been a pleasure to take part in a number of engagements that highlight the very best of Worcester – our commitment to heritage, our support for those in need, and the importance we place on inspiring the next generation.

One of the most joyful engagements of the week was visiting Tudor Grange Primary Academy on World Book Day with the Mayoress, Cllr Zoe Cookson.

Zoe had been invited to read her own picture book, Odd Job Frog, to pupils in Reception, Year One and Year Two. The children were a fantastic audience and had clearly embraced the spirit of the day, with many arriving dressed as their favourite book characters.

Zoe read the story while I helped bring it to life using Frog and Mouse puppets, which proved very popular with the pupils.

World Book Day is a wonderful opportunity to encourage a love of reading from an early age. It was inspiring to see the enthusiasm of the pupils and to spend time sharing the joy that stories can bring.

Worcester Guildhall provided the setting for an important event marking 20 years of the work of Nightstop.

I had the privilege of opening “Nightstop in Action: Meet the Team – Working to Prevent Youth Homelessness in Worcestershire,” which brought together supporters, partners, volunteers and members of the community.

Nightstop provides emergency accommodation for young people at risk of homelessness through trained volunteer hosts, offering not only a safe place to stay but also practical and emotional support at a moment of crisis.

For two decades the organisation has offered safety, stability and dignity to young people who might otherwise face extremely difficult circumstances.

The event was a valuable opportunity to reflect on the impact of that work, to watch a short film about the organisation’s journey over the past 20 years, and to meet the dedicated team who make it possible.

Preventing youth homelessness requires compassion, collaboration and community support, and Worcestershire should be proud of what Nightstop has achieved.

The Guildhall also hosted the annual Mayor’s lecture with the Worcester Civic Society.

The Civic Society plays an important role in championing Worcester’s historic environment, promoting good design and encouraging a deeper appreciation of the city’s heritage.

More than 90 guests gathered in the Assembly Room for an evening focused on collaborative conservation. My thanks go to Stephen Hartland, who delivered a fascinating talk on Victorian and Edwardian architecture and the value of working together to protect our built heritage.

The event also supported my mayoral charity, Acorns Children’s Hospice, and I would like to thank everyone who contributed so generously.