Worcester News features. Alicia Kelly, David Paine, Mike Pryce and blogs from West Mercia Police

What is it like to only have a birthday every four years?

9:05am Friday 29th February 2008

THE odds of Ciaran Galvin being born on February 29, 2000, were slim. For a start, he was born in a leap year, on a day that only happens once every four years. Plus it was the turn of the century where the rules get a little more complicated and only years divisible by 400 are leap years. Hence, 2000 had the extra day but 1900 did not.

Why bother to write a letter these days? Just ask George

8:47am Thursday 21st February 2008

WHEN was the last time you put pen to paper and wrote a letter? We might live in a world of e-mails, text messages and information via the internet, but the importance of hand-written letters is not lost.

The battle to stop teens becoming pregnant

8:17am Wednesday 20th February 2008

A SOAP opera may sound like an unlikely and even bizarre way to stop teenagers getting pregnant. But this is one of the methods Worcestershire Teenage Pregnancy Partnership is using in its battle to cut the rate of under 18 conceptions by half by 2010.

Forget the suit, denim will do now

9:02am Thursday 14th February 2008

MORE people are being given permission to ditch their suits and wear casual clothes to work.

Flowers, chocolates and sexy underwear...it must be Valentine’s Day again

9:34am Thursday 7th February 2008

IN Worcester last year, one flower shop sold 15,000 roses for Valentine's Day - which proves that romance isn't dead in the city.

Make your friends green with envy this springtime

9:09am Thursday 31st January 2008

It's time for an elixir and a little pick me up to cheer up the dull winter days. Reach for a shot of Chartreuse - lime green or canary yellow will brighten up your day and add some instant zest to your life, says Sam Moritz

Look stylish and snuggle down on a January night

9:03am Thursday 24th January 2008

Slobbing out doesn't have to mean letting fashion standards slide. Check out the best of this season's stylish shut-eye gear. Whether it's a weekend sleeping marathon or gym workout recovery, PJs are winter essentials for your closet.

Fabulous get-fit fashions to show off in the gym

9:29am Wednesday 16th January 2008

Getting into the fitness groove for 2008? Make fashion your main motivation so you don't quit by the end of January. Here are nine outfits which are perfect for you to get out of the house and strut your stuff atthe gym or on the street.

Keen to try new wines? Let Philippe guide you

9:14am Thursday 10th January 2008

IT is time for the Jeremy Clarkson school of wine. "If you think it's bad, say it's bad," says Philippe Boucheron, the Droitwich expert keen to share his passion for wine with the people of Worcestershire.

What to wear in 2008: your new year fashion resolutions

9:05am Thursday 3rd January 2008

GOK WAN

Make sure your new year’s resolutions stick for good

8:31am Thursday 27th December 2007

Every year we make new year's resolutions and every year we break them - whether it's the decision to give up smoking, stop eating chocolate for breakfast, or to find a good man (best of luck with that one!).

How to serve the best drinks this Christmas

8:36am Thursday 20th December 2007

BREAKFAST

How to party like a lady at this year’s Christmas bash

9:41am Friday 14th December 2007

We've all seen the pictures... young women rolling around in the gutter and flashing their FrostFrench pants after a few too many Pinot Grigios.

How to give your festive decorations an overhaul

9:32am Thursday 13th December 2007

Are you using the same old decorations on your tree this year? Why not give your Christmas a makeover with some new ideas to make your festive fir sparkle. The people at arts and crafts superstore HobbyCraft have come up with some easy-to-follow design suggestions. Your Tree - Traditional If you enjoy a traditional Christmas then this elegant blend of ruby red and gold could be the look for you - and the mix of bought and handcrafted decorations will give you a look that is truly unique. To decorate your tree, first put the lights on, arranging so they are evenly distributed, and then add your decorations. Top the tree with a large bow made from wire edged ribbon and allow the ends to fall mid-way down the tree. Your Tree - Country Wherever you live, you can create a cosy, country look with a real Christmas tree and a mix of natural and handcrafted decorations. Get the family making' and you'll have lots of fun as well as a look that is exclusively you'. To decorate your tree, first put the lights on, arranging so they are evenly distributed. Then drape ribbon around, tying bows on the ends of branches. Add ornaments at random and top the tree with a rosette of red abaca ribbon. Top 10 tips to make your presents look their best IF you want your gifts to look magical under the tree this year, then make sure they are dressed for the occasion.

We’ve all been working hard for panto - oh yes we have!

9:53am Thursday 6th December 2007

Prepare to boo and hiss - pantomime season is upon us. The eagerly-awaited Swan Theatre panto Aladdin opened on Tuesday. But before the curtain came up, cast and crew were busy rehearsing and Lauren Rogers went behind the scenes to smell the grease paint

It’sthattimeofyear again – oh, yes it is!

9:39am Thursday 29th November 2007

Malvern Theatres

This Christmas, why don’t you turn off your television and do something less boring instead?

9:51am Thursday 22nd November 2007

Love it or hate it, Christmas is coming - and the stress it can bring too: the long queues at the shops, the burnt pudding, the ungrateful in-laws, and the hyper kids who want nothing more than to run around the house trailing tinsel.

Chuck out the smock tops, it’s time to work the curves

8:53am Thursday 15th November 2007

If you were sporting Babygros back in the 80s, or too busy perfecting your New Romantic hair, you may have missed out on one of the decade's key trends. But never fear, body-con' is back in a big way for 2007. This season's retro body-conscious styles are all about cling, fit and glamour.

If you want your skin to look good this winter, it’s time to act now

9:11am Thursday 8th November 2007

Chapped hands, dry legs, sore lips and a red nose... the harsh elements do our bodies no beauty favours over winter, unless you're into the Rudolph look.

Have you put on weight? Blame it on your birthday

9:17am Thursday 1st November 2007

ARIES (March 21-April 20)