WORCESTERSHIRE'S world famous pre-Christmas holly and mistletoe sales will go ahead this winter as usual. When their traditional site at Tenbury Wells cattle market was sold to Tyrell's Crisps' owner William Chase last year, there was some doubt whether the annual auctions, which have been held since mid-Victorian times, would continue.

But auctioneer Nick Champion has secured an agreement with Mr Chase to hold three sales over the next three weeks, all on Tuesdays, November 29, December 6 and December 13.

"We're taking it year by year," said Nick. "After all, a lot can happen. All I can say for certain is there will be sales this year.

"Vandals permitting, of course. They recently broke into the site and damaged the old cattle rings. A lot of the holly and mistletoe arrives overnight and we will be taking security measures to make sure it is safe for the following morning."

Lots can be booked in on each Monday before the sales between 8am and 4pm and selling on the day begins at 10am.

Nick forecast that good berried holly will be at a premium this year.

"There wasn't a lot about in the first place," he added. "In the cold snap the birds have been busy already eating the berries. I think good quality berried holly will make money this year.

"However, it won't be the same with mistletoe. Reports say there is quite a lot about and that will be reflected in the prices paid."

Despite the doubt over the continuation of the sales, Tenbury had already thrown itself with enthusiasm into the holly and mistletoe cause, launching the country's first ever Mistletoe Festival.

It is hoped stars from the TV soap Emmerdale will turn up to lend their support, including Lorraine Chase, Richard Thorpe and Chris Chittell, otherwise known as Steph Stokes, Alan Turner and Eric Pollard.

The extravaganza is being organised by former Tenbury Wells Advertiser reporter and local author Jen Green, who said: "After five years of convering the town's stories, I wanted to give something back."

The festival is due to start with a charity mistletoe ball at Cadmore Lodge tonight.

The first-ever National Mistletoe Day will be held on Thursday, December 1, when the Mistletoe Queen will be crowned. This will be followed by a weekend of arts, crafts, entertainment and sports, including a junior Holly versus Mistletoe football match.

The Emmerdale launch is on Saturday, December 3. Mistletoe-themed Christmas cards and calendars will also be on sale throughout the festival.

MPs have backed an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons by the town's MP, Conservative Bill Wiggin, hailing the foundation of the national mistletoe day.

The motion states: "This House congratulates Tenbury English Mistletoe Enterprise on the foundation of a national mistletoe day on December 1 each year, and wishes the enterprise well in continuing their integral role in maintaining the position of the area as the centre of the mistletoe trade."

The location is no accident, for Tenbury, which is also known as The Town In The Orchard, lies in the heart of apple growing country at the crossroads of three counties - Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire.

Mistletoe traditionally thrives on apple trees, while the maze of country lanes and hedgerows in the area is ideal for holly trees.

This should provide some welcome nourishment for our feathered friends if this winter is anywhere nearly as bad as has been forecast by the weather experts.

Holly berries will sustain wild birds during the coldest months.

Details of the holly and mistletoe sales at Tenbury Wells can be obtained from auctioneer Nick Champion on 01584 810555