MUSIC and live theatre performances are just two of the items on the menu at a special open day being held to raise disability awareness.

The day is being staged by Worcestershire County Council - at County Hall, Spetchley Road, Worcester - this Friday.

The free event will also feature workshops, film presentations, advice surgeries and speakers, including a talk by script writer Andy Merriman, who has written a book about his Down's Syndrome daughter, Sarah.

Employment opportunities and access issues will also be discussed.

The day is the grand finale of a 10-day awareness-raising campaign called Today, Not Tomorrow, run by the county council.

The council is promoting disability awareness in Worcestershire as part of the European Year of Disabled People.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of disability equality issues and also celebrate the talents and achievements of disabled people in the county.

"This major event aims to promote the services available for people with disabilities, which give them more choice, opportunities and access," said Jennie Bashforth, director of social services at the council. "We are working towards improving the quality of life for people living in Worcestershire who either have a disability or are caring for someone affected by one."

The day will run from 9.30am to 4.30pm and there will be refreshments available in the County Hall restaurant.