n A CREW of eight from Upton-based Mercia Inshore Search and Rescue (MISAR) were called into action while providing support at a charity canoe event in London over the Easter weekend. They prevented a woman trying to commit suicide from jumping into the river and were asked to investigate a body, which turned out to be a mannequin. MISAR has a new website at www.merciarescue.org.

n The go-ahead has been given for industrial use at a site on Rectory Road, Upton. A planning application by G W Price, for a former rubble tip near existing factory units, was approved by Malvern Hills District Council on condition that access is off Station Road away from houses. Also approved was Upton Town Council's plan for a pontoon mooring on the riverbank at Waterside as part of a project to improve the waterfront.

n WORCESTER Samaritans raised £232 with a street collection in Upton on Saturday, April 22. They would like to thanks residents for their generosity.

n Upton Civic Society will hold its AGM on Thursday (May 4), at the Memorial Hall, at 7pm. A talk on the Tudor House Museum will follow.

n BLUES band Jack the Biscuit will play on the MV Conway Castle on Friday, May 5, to raise funds for Upton Blues Festival. The blues cruise starts at 7.30pm for 8pm. Tickets are available from the Anchor Inn.

n A PLAN to convert a barn at Upper Duckswich Farm, Welland Road, Upton, into a house was approved by the district council's southern area planning sub-committee. Also approved was a new house at Fairfields, Worcester Road, Hanley Swan.