A PARTY organised by Upton Rotary Club was swinging at Hanley Castle High School at the weekend.

Some 74 residents of the area gathered for the community party for three hours on Sunday afternoon.

The event included musical entertainment, refreshments and an appearance by Father Christmas, who gave out presents.

Peter Dawson, spokesman for the club, said: "It was so nice to see so many of our friends at the annual party. We all had a really good time."

In Upton itself, the Rotary Club's Tree of Light is expected to raise £550 for the British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research UK.

The scheme sees bright white light bulbs put in a tree on high ground near the Pepperpot. People pay £5 for each light, which represents a loved one. Over 100 bulbs have already been sold.

"It's the first time we've done anything like this," Mr Dawson said.

"It's caught on superbly. It's pretty popular and we're looking forward to repeating it next year."