PATRIOTS in Worcester have been called on to make a stand this weekend.

A Patriotic Day has been arranged for tomorrow, to raise money for Claines Parish Church.

"We thought we'd call it a patriotic day because it's close to the date of St George's Day," said organiser Sarah Cottrill.

"We want people to come along in patriotic costume and the best one will win a prize."

She said it was the first such event of its type she had organised. Money raised will be channelled into the church's renovation funds. The north porch needs attention in particular.

The Mayor, Councillor Mary Drinkwater, has agreed to declare the proceedings open at 2pm. "I think it will be very enjoyable - as long as the weather is good," she said.

She will act as the judge in a children's fancy dress contest tomorrow afternoon.

Musicians from the "God's Own Pub Club" - so called because the youngsters gather for Sunday School lessons in the Mug House pub - have been booked to perform concerts at half-hourly intervals.

Entrance to the event will be free. Stalls with traditional attractions, such as white elephant goods, will be on offer.

And as long as the rain stays away, a bouncy castle will be set up outside the church hall, in Cornmeadow Lane.

Meanwhile, the Cross of St George has been fluttering above the Council House in Malvern.

"It's looking a bit soggy, due to the rain," admitted Malvern Hills District Council spokesman Stephen Leese.

"We often fly the flag on April 23, as well as the Union Flag on appropriate occasions such as the Queen's Birthday."