BEWDLEY residents have the chance to say how they think the end of flood defence works should be celebrated in the town.

Opportunity Bewdley is planning an event in March, which is likely to focus on the town's heritage and riverside location, as part of its local distinctiveness project.

The organisation is appealing for residents' suggestions for a theme for the event and volunteers to help with the arrangements.

Opportunity Bewdley, programme manager, Gordon Dwyer, said: "We are hoping to have an event to mark the fact that the flood works will have been completed by then and that Bewdley is open for business.

"We are hoping to get a lot of people in the town involved in the event."

A public meeting was held last month so residents could learn more about the distinctiveness project, which was launched during the summer.

The organisation is focusing on distinctive features of Bewdley - including the Georgian architecture, River Severn and events such as Bewdley Festival - and is considering how they could be developed and marketed for the benefit of residents and visitors.

Mr Dwyer explained: "It is looking at what makes Bewdley special and taking these themes and building on them.

"The aims are to really promote what is going on in Bewdley by supporting organisations putting on events in the town."

Anyone with suggestions for a theme for the celebration or interested in helping can contact Opportunity Bewdley on 01299 405516.