THE popular Parish Games build pace with the first event to be held in 2003 due to be contested next Thursday.

Stourport Civic Hall hosts the short mat bowling from 7.30pm with Wolverley and Cookley, Upper Arley, Rock, Churchill and Blakedown, Trimpley and Stone all involved.

There has already been one event with Stone triumphing just ahead of Upper Arley in the quiz, held last October with the launch evening.

On the agenda in the Wyre Forest District Council-run games are angling, bridge, rounders, crib, dominoes, snooker, archery and golf.

It will all end with a quiz night and presentation evening at Stourport Sports Club, The Kingsway, from 7.30pm on Monday, July 7.

The council's Amy Smith said: "The games are an excellent opportunity for rural community participation and involvement in sport and recreational activities."

Parish games calendar, Sunday, May 11: Angling, Sporting Heights, Clay Farm, Clows Top, 7.30am for 8am start.

Wednesday, May 14: Bridge, Trimpley Village Hall, 7.30pm.

Saturday, May 17: Rounders, Bewdley Leisure Centre, 10am for 10.30am start.

Tuesday, May 20: Crib, Cookley Sports and Social Club, 7.30pm.

Tuesday, June 3: Dominoes, Trimpley Village Hall, 7.30pm.

Thursdays, June 5, 12 and 19: Snooker, Arley Sports and Social Club, 7.15pm for 7.30pm start.

Saturday, June 7: Archery, Arley Sports and Social Club, 2pm.

Sunday, June 15: Golf, Bewdley Pines Golf Club, Habberley Road, 2pm.

Anyone from within the parishes interested in the games can call Smith on 01562 732975.