A TOUCH of Victorian class will be added to Upton over Christmas as shopkeepers dress up to attract customers.

Members of the Upton Tourism and Trade Association will be donning Victorian and festive clothes during the final week of Christmas shopping in the town.

Association Bill Dovey said the idea came from Duncan Slade, from the toy shop Platform Eight.

"We asked all the shops if they would like to wear festive dress from Saturday up to and including Christmas Eve. Quite a few people are going to do it, even if it's only a Santa hat!" he said.

Upton is already in the Christmas spirit thanks to Christmas trees and lights up through the town. Mr Dovey said the enthusiasm of the shopkeepers added to the atmosphere.

"It'll improve the ambience and just make it a happy place to shop," he said.

As well as the street decoration, individual shops have been preparing for the town's Christmas window competition. The contest was due to be judged yesterday (Thursday) by the mayor of Tenbury Wells, Janice Gluyas. There will be prizes awarded for the best-dressed and best-illuminated windows.

There is free car parking in Upton today and tomorrow (Friday and Saturday).