THIS year's Barnards Green Christmas Extravaganza will be bigger and better than ever, say the traders who are organising it.

With four under-cover venues across the Green, the extravaganza will include an extensive menu of fun things to see and do on Saturday, December 5.

Among the acts who will be appearing, many returning by popular request after their success last year, will be the Dave the Wonder Dog puppet show, the Animal Encounter mobile zoo, the Magic Russ conjuring show and a circus skills workshop.

Father Christmas will be in his grotto with free presents for each child that visits, there is also a double-decker play bus parked in the Green for extra active fun.

A fleet of about 20 classic cars, including two Morgans, a Wolseley 1500, a 1938 Buick, a 1970 Alfa Romeo and an Austin 12 which will be parked behind TP Travel for people to peruse and enjoy.

Characters Minion Dave and Mickey Mouse will be on walkabout handing out balloons, and organisers also hope that Peeler the police dog mascot will be along to meet the children.

There will be an animal-inspired word quiz, a children's colouring competition, with its first prize a family meal at the Bluebell Inn, a Guess-the-number-of-balloons-in-the-Limo competition and Christmas cupcake decoration.

Jane Knowles, a member of the organising committee, said: "This year we have chosen tor support Alzheimer's UK, in particular by buying equipment for the monthly dementia cafe in Malvern.

"Lots of the individual businesses are hosting their own competitions and raffles with some fantastic prizes, and again the money raised throughout December will be pooled together to give to the charity in January.

"In the last seven years, the traders have raised over £11,000 for local charities, which is a great example of traders serving their community and the community really benefitting. The Christmas Extravaganza coincides with Small Business Saturday, so please come along, have fun and support your local traders."