A SPECIAL Carols for our Countryside event is being held in Ombersley this week.

It's being staged by the Countryside Alliance on Wednesday, December 10, at St Andrew's Church.

The last decade has been a turbulent time for the countryside and 2008 has been no better with the agricultural industry being blighted yet again by flooding.

Despite the challenges thrown up to our local rural communities’ country people remain resolute and determined and this carol service is being looked upon by the alliance, as giving hope to those who have suffered in recent years and provide an opportunity to celebrate the countryside we all know and love.

Audrey Steel, Worcestershire county chairman for the Countryside Alliance, said: “A carol service to celebrate the riches of our countryside at Christmas is a wonderful opportunity. The countryside is about communities and the people in them so what better way to reflect on what we have, to give comfort to those in crisis and to look to the future positively than by getting together during the festive season.

“We hope that as many people as possible in Worcestershire will join us to celebrate the wonderful countryside and rural communities we all love so much.”

Following the service, which starts at 7.30pm, Christmas refreshments will be available. There will be a collection in aid of the Addington Fund and Help for Heroes.