THERE was an added reason for celebrating in Blakedown over the Bank Holiday when the village and Churchill's Millennium Green was officially opened.

Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor was on hand to do the honours at the former sports field, which has cost £35,000 to create. Fancy dress winner Luke Instone-Hall receives his prize from Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor.

David Priestnall, chairman of the green trustees, said half of the cash had been provided by the Millennium Commission and fund-raising had taken five years.

Work has included the planting of 1,500 trees and hedge plants donated by the Countryside Agency and the creation of a path around the perimeter of the site for people to walk their dogs.

Monday's celebrations inside the nearby parish room included a fancy dress parade which was judged by Dr Taylor. The winner was five-year-old Luke Instone-Hall who dressed up as St George and received a jubilee crown coin for his efforts.

Other entertainment included stalls and a display of ribbon dancing by Brownies.

Cub Scout leader Malcolm Hall said: "Considering the weather we had a good turnout."