n Pupils from Upton CE Primary School will celebrate the Queen's 80th birthday with a picnic and games.

The family event is being organised by the town tourism and trade association and takes place in the school grounds tomorrow (Saturday), from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.

Around 250 children have been invited to bring a picnic and enjoy fun races and games, face-painting and juggling. There will also be a competition for the best home-made crowns.

Val Holloway, of Upton Tourism and Trade Association, said: "We wanted to organise something specifically for the younger children of the town. It's a fun day and we hope they will enjoy it."

She said the crown-making contest was a sort of rehearsal for similar event at this year's Upton Water Festival.

n A BIRD scarer and sprayer pumps stolen from an Upton farm could be dangerous, warn police. The scarer, with its gas cylinder and pump, was taken from Lockeridge Farm between 5pm on Sunday, June 11, and 8am the following day.

Police say that if an inexperienced person tries to operate the scarer, they could seriously damage their hearing, as it makes a very large bang. The owner is also worried the cylinder could explode if it gets too hot; he always keeps it shaded. The sprayer pumps could also be hazardous, as they were being used to spray the pesticide Systhane, which can cause serious headaches and nausea.

Anyone with information should call 08457 444888, quoting 185S/120606.

n Youngsters starting Hanley Castle High School in September can now buy tickets for a get-to-know-you prom on Saturday, July 15. The prom will give Year 6 leavers from feeder schools including Upton, Longdon, Welland, Castlemorton, Eldersfield, Hanley Swan and Kempsey, the chance to get to know each other before term starts. It is being run by Little Party People at the Hill Centre, Upton, between 7pm and 10pm. Tickets are £5 from Dee Shepherd on 01684 594461.

n A Wallet containing cash and credit cards was stolen from a house at Pull Court, Bushley, after the thief got in through an open window. The theft took place between midnight on Saturday and 8am on Sunday. Police are warning householders not to leave doors and windows open in the warm weather.