EARLY Christmas gifts and tips on photography were on the agenda when eager shoppers called in at the Shuttle/Times & News offices for a special Saturday morning open day.

On sale was the unique 2006 calendar produced by Kidderminster Camera Club to mark its centenary.

But members were also on hand to give tips on the vast range of equipment and technology now available to enthusiasts.

Secretary, Maureen Mundon, said: "We had several people call in and show interest in joining the camera club and others who wanted a bit of help and some technical guidance.

"Two of them who came to discuss the technicalities of digital photography joined us at our club meeting the following week and hopefully they will become members."

Callers were also eager to snap up the calendar produced as a souvenir of the club's first 100 years and to help raise its profile. It has been successful on both counts and is proving a popular choice as a Christmas gift.

The calendar - a joint project with the Shuttle/Times & News - charts some of the changes to Kidderminster's urban landscape by featuring archive photographs from each of the 10 decades since the club was formed in 1906.

These are set alongside up-to-date pictures taken by club members to illustrate the town's evolution over the years.

It also features the technical skills of members with images ranging from eerie mountain mists to the delicate feathers of barn owls and silky texture of roses.

The calendar, costing £7.50, can be obtained from Shuttle/Times and News offices in Kidderminster and Stourport, and from club members and post offices at Wolverley and Arley.

It comes with a strong cardboard envelope so that it can be posted to relatives and friends for Christmas.

More details are available from Mrs Mundon, on 01562 850856.