A POPULAR annual parade to herald the arrival of Christmas in Kidderminster has been temporarily shelved.

But organisers of the Three Kings Parade, which has seen decorated trolley floats make their way through town streets before an open-air carol service since 1994, hope it will return bigger and better in December 2002.

Hundreds of revellers traditionally line the streets for the event, which is organised by Kidderminster Junior PHAB (Physically Handicapped Able Bodied) fund-raiser Ron Cox and features trolleys made by groups such as Guides, Brownies, Rainbows and playgroups.

However Mr Cox said this year's parade would not take place due to ongoing town centre redevelopment - which would see the town in "absolute chaos" during the festive period - and the fact he had been unable to "get cracking" on the arrangements.

He added: "It is extremely popular but I have been very busy this year and have just not had the time to organise it.

"It needs revamping anyway - we're planning on changing the profile a bit.

"We will still have the three kings but maybe we will change it from trolley floats to fancy dress."

Mr Cox was at the centre of a row over the Three Kings Parade when he threatened to move it to Merry Hill three years ago after Wyre Forest District Council imposed restrictions on PHAB's fund-raising day at Stourport's Riverside Meadows.

But he eventually had a change of heart after deciding it was an event Kidderminster should not lose - and has now stressed it will return next year in a fresh format more suited to the new look of the town centre that will be in place by then.

He will also seek more help from big Kidderminster businesses and schools in the organisation of the parade.

"I'm going to have a year out to think about it and perhaps get some backing from other sources," Mr Cox added.

"It will give me a little bit of a rest as well."