n THE body of a 57-year-old man was found in the River Severn at Ripple on Sunday (October 17). He was identified as Denville Ernest Smith, of Blenheim Road, Worcester. He was last seen by a colleague as he cycled to work in Diglis on October 6. An inquest was opened on Tuesday and adjourned to a later date.

n ROAD markings will be painted on the B4211 near Upton in a bid to slow traffic. Malvern Hills Highways Partnership will put white hatching on the road as it approaches the junction at the top of Tunnel Hill in the next few weeks.

n PEOPLE living near the site of Welland Steam Fair will be consulted before next year's event. This follows complaints of increased noise due to the siting of generators. Coun Mary Wilkinson, who represents the Upton on Malvern Hills District Council, said villagers would be contacted in the hope of preventing future problems.

n A PIKE and Zander fishing competition hosted by The Kings Head in Upton was won by John Izod, of Upton Marina with an overall weight of 26lb 2oz. His biggest pike weighed in at 18lb 4oz. Mr Izod won £50 and a trophy.

n A CRAFT fair takes place tomorrow (Saturday) at Upton Memorial Hall. The fair has been organised by Craft in Action and runs from 10am to 4.30pm.

n A bingo night in aid of the water festival takes place at 7.30pm on Monday (October 25).

n A FUN quiz night and supper for the RNLI takes place at the Memorial Hall on Friday, October 29, at 7.30pm. The Upton branch's grand draw takes place at the event. There will also be a bar and a charity stall with Christmas cards and gifts. Tickets are £5 on 01684 593436.

n A YELLOW dumper truck was stolen from a tip site at Ripple on October 14. The truck, valued at about £700, was taken between 6pm on October 14 and 3pm on October 16.

n Trio Sirens will be performing music from opera to folk at the Memorial Hall on Saturday, October 30. There will also be a reading of the fairy tale, The Little Mermaid, with appropriate songs. The concert begins at 7.30pm. For tickets, call 01684 593465.

n A NEW treasurer is needed for Longdon Village Hall Committee with the retirement of Dorothy Jeynes. Her replacement must have basic computer skills and with half an hour a week to spare. Call 01684 833343 or 01684 833642.