BIRTHDAY celebrations will form part of a packed programme of fun-filled frolics later this month when the carnival comes to town.

Eco-warriors from Bromsgrove District Council, led by vice-chairman Cllr David Hancox (Con, Uffdown and Waseley), will be setting up shop in Sanders Park on Saturday June 30.

The event is to mark the first anniversary of the launch of the Worcestershire Echo, the energy saving newspaper.

They will be joined by environmentally caring colleagues from various other organisations including Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, the World Wide Fund for Nature, Severn Trent Water and Friends of the Earth, offering help and advice to people interested in saving energy, money and the world's natural resources.

Cllr John Tidmarsh (Con, Stoke Prior), the cabinet member responsible for environment and health, said: "The Worcestershire Echo has enjoyed tremendous success in its first year, as have all the energy savings schemes under its umbrella, including the bulk discount scheme for insulation.

"Several residents have already taken up the offer and we want to help as many others as possible to join up and cut down on their energy consumption, fuel bills and greenhouse gases," he added.

Visitors to the gala in the park, in Kidderminster Road, on carnival day will be able to see the Department of Trade and Industry's Energy Cruiser eco-bus, as well as Worcestershire County Council's Waste Mountain and giant globe Earth Balloon.

The Worcestershire Echo is published by the Worcestershire Home Energy Group, led by Bromsgrove District Council.