MUSIC, dance and lashings of ginger wine will be put to good use in Kendal next week as local charity workers flag up World Aids Day.

The Cumbria Support Group for HIV and Aids will be in the Birdcage, at the top of Kendal's Finkle Street, from around 11am to 2pm on Monday, December 1, raising awareness of its voluntary services - which include information, emotional and practical support for people affected by the disease as well as their families.

Publicity officer Stan Blacklock said Barrow-based performance artists The Barracudas would be providing entertainment as well as Kirkbie Kendal School pupils, who would be singing carols. The support group has been running for ten years and Mr Blacklock said the event would coincide with other Aids awareness events around the world.

Around 80 people in Cumbria are known to have HIV but charity workers believe many more are still undiagnosed.

Anyone wanting to contact the support group can ring the helpline on 01228-591986.