n FREE parking in Upton's council-owned car parks begins today (Friday). In the run-up to Christmas, no-one will have to buy tickets in the New Street or Hanley Roads car parks on Fridays and Saturdays. The concession lasts right up until December 23 and 24.

Christmas in Upton, see page 12

n THE Memorial Hall, Upton, is the venue for a fundraising bingo evening in aid of Worcestershire Cancer Aid on Thursday, December 8, at 7.30pm. The event will include coffee, mince pies and a raffle. Transport can be provided in the Upton area by calling Tony Atkinson 593146.

n QUEENHILL Church holds its Christmas Fair in Upton Memorial Hall on Saturday, December 10, from 9.30am to noon. Cakes and produce, bric a brac, gifts, toys and books will all be on sale.

n UPTON Library is the venue for a morning of Christmas crafts, games and stories, aimed at children aged five to nine.The session is on Saturday, December 17, from 10.30am to noon, and tickets, at 50p, are available from the library.

n ORGANISERS of the re-enactment of the Battle of Ripple are looking for volunteers to help next year. This year's event raised over £1,200. Anyone interested can call Mr Astin on 01684 592343.