An elderly volunteer at Ledbury's Heritage Centre was intimidated by youths who tried to lure him away from the till and refused to leave.

Now Lara Latcham, Herefordshire Council's visitor services officer, is warning that if there is a repeat, the centre may have to be staffed with two or more volunteers at any one time.

This would lead to a reduction in opening hours at the centre because there are not enough volunteers to double up.

The incident took place on Wednesday, March 30, and left the pensioner on duty shaken. Volunteers have now been advised to ring 999 in the event of further problems.

Miss Latcham said: "Two lads, about 12, came in and tried to draw him away from the till. He asked them to leave. One agreed and the other did not. Then members of the public walked in and they did leave."

She added: "Until then, because it was a rainy day, there were not that many people around."

Miss Latcham believes the youths may have snatched a small amount of money that had been left out in the open.

The vounteer and staff at the Tourist Information Centre attempted to phone parish officer Leatte Clarke but could not get through to her mobile at the time. Speaking on Friday, Miss Latcham said police were still to be officially notified.

The Church Lane centre is currently open from 10.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Saturday and 11.30am to 4.30pm on Sunday.