YOUNG people from across Wyre Forest are being invited to help launch an alternative to the well-established Bewdley Festival.

Janet Ferguson is hoping to launch a fringe to run in the week before and alongside this year's event, from September 29 to October 13.

She is hoping to attract performers with "lively acts" to the town and has had "positive feedback" from venues about encouraging a fringe.

Details of this year's main event will be announced at its launch on Friday, July 6.

Mrs Ferguson, who is hoping to develop the fringe in partnership with Meg Clay, said acts would have to book and promote events but they would be advertised in a fringe flyer.

She wants young people, particularly students from Kidderminster College, to take part.

Mrs Ferguson can be contacted on 01299 405368 or by e-mail on festival@bewdley.free-online.co.uk.