THREE towns are celebrating the fact they can start planning fun events for residents and tourists over the next three years.

Droitwich, Evesham, and Pershore will all been given £45,000 every year from next April until 2012 to maintain their events programmes and promote their towns and surrounding rural areas.

It means successful events like Droitwich’s Salt Day, Pershore’s Plum Fayre, and Evesham’s Morris Festival are likely to be a permanent fixture in the calender, while French markets are being planned for next year.

At Wychavon District Council’s executive board meeting , when it was agreed funding would be given to the towns, Councillor Andrew Dyke said: “I’m very pleased to see this and see it early on so the town’s can plan the next three years with funding in place.”

The funds will be managed and administered by the Droitwich Spa area partnership manager, Evesham market town partnership manager, and Pershore market town partnership manager.

Councillor Pam Davey, who represents Droitwich Spa East, pointed to the success of this year’s Salt Day as proof the money is being spent wisely.

“This is a good way of attracting people into the town and also giving something to the residents who live there,” she said.