NEARLY 1,000 youngsters in the Malvern area could take part in a string of workshops in preparation for the festive season.

Creative Malvern, a partnership of voluntary and statutory organisations, is running 22 lantern making and grotto building workshops in the town up to Sunday, November 22.

The partnership - which includes the Borrowers Toy Library, Malvern Hills District Council, Worcestershire County Council and the Sunshine Children’s Centre - is employing artists to work with children from Malvern organisations to make lanterns or a part of a Christmas grotto, which will add to the celebrations happening in Great Malvern during the run up to Christmas.

Last year more than 750 children and young people took part in the Christmas Light Switch-on event and this year the project aims to work with more than 900 young people - many of whom did not take part in the previous event.

Malvern Hills District Council arts development officer Manda Graham said: “The Christmas in Malvern project gives younger residents of the town the opportunity to play a part in Malvern’s festive celebrations. Christmas is such a fantastic time of the year as it really captures the imagination and the pride that is developed from this kind of involvement in something which makes an impact and stays with children as they grow up.”

The groups involved this year include Malvern Sea Cadets, the St Mary’s Club, Malvern and Upton Inclusion Project, Speak Easy Group and Somers Park Primary School. Any group wishing to take part next year should contact Manda Graham on 01684 862151 or e-mail manda.graham@malvernhills.gov.uk