A Stoke Heath man was awarded the CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list for his public service to health. The proud town resident, who first became involved when he was appointed secretary of the League of Friends of Bromsgrove Hospitals in 1952, celebrated his new title in Bermuda.

A CHARFORD man and his six-year-old son were taken to Bromsgrove Cottage Hospital after an accident with a pan full of burning fat. Raymond Kendal was treated for burns to his leg and his son, Kevin, was slightly shocked but unhurt in the accident.

SKATEBOARD fans were delighted at the prospect of having a skateboard rink in Bromsgrove's Sanders Park. The district council's surveyor John Sowden revealed plans to create a 200ft long by 12ft wide rink at a cost of £3,000.

The county council's further education sub-committee announced plans to reduce the number of full time teaching staff at North Worcestershire College in Bromsgrove. Detailed proposals from college governors on staffing levels during the run-down period were expected to be discussed at the next meeting.

CAMPAIGNERS were forced to admit defeat with the new Bromsgrove Eastern by-pass. The £2.75m road, set to calm traffic in the town centre, had previously been met with some protest from nearby residents. But plans from Hereford and Worcestershire County Council proposed a two-way single lane instead of a dual carriageway. This was estimated to carry 2,000 vehicles per hour at peak times, instead of 15,000 on a dual carriageway.