BEWDLEY is heading into Christmas aiming to forget a difficult year with a host of festive activities and attractions.

The Load Street short stay car park has reopened following flood defence-related sewerage work by Severn Trent, meaning all of the town's spaces are available for the first time in about 18 months.

And it is hoped visitors will be flocking to the town for the Christmas lights switch-on, followed by a floodlit charity Christmas market, on Saturday, November 30. Jo Latimer and Pam Wilson, of Bewdley's Forever Christmas store, in practice for next month's charity shopping nights.

The giving theme continues through December with a series of charity festive shopping evenings, organised by Bewdley Chamber of Trade, which will see more than 20 stores donate 10 per cent of takings to good causes.

These include cancer, elderly and children's charities, town schools, Guides and Scouts.

Mayor Frank Baillie will light up the town at 5.30pm before the floodlit market, which will involve more than 30 stalls representing district and national charities raising cash for themselves.

Any organisation wanting a stall can contact 01299 404226.

The three charity shopping nights will be held on three successive Wednesdays - December 4, 11 and 18 - from 5.30pm until 8pm.

Stores will have notices up advertising their participation in the scheme.

Live steam engines will be on display and will be driven around the town at various times during the evenings, while Bewdley High School Orchestra will be playing on December 4 and 18.

The latter date will also feature carols from pupils at Wribbenhall First School, while Brownies will be singing on December 11.

There will be no shortage of parking spaces for visitors next month now the Dog Lane car park is alsofully open following the installation of riverside flood defence barriers.

Bewdley Business Group was set up to press for compensation for more than 80 town centre businesses which have suffered as a result of the flood defence work.

Spokesman Colin Billingham said it was looking forward to some welcome respite, with work on phase two of the scheme, on Severnside North, not due to begin until next spring.