IT'S eyes down at Bromesberrow to raise money, though it's acknowledged that playing bingo makes people think faster than non-players, and keeps them more alert into old age. For the last four years, Bromesberrow village hall committee has organised a Christmas family bingo evening to raise funds for cancer related charities. To date more than £1000 has been donated to the Knock On Effect, with a further £1350 to Cancer Research UK. This year the event will be held on December 4 with doors opening at 7pm ready for “eyes down” at 7.30pm. All prizes will have a Christmas theme and are designed for all the family to enjoy. In addition there will be an extra-extravagant Christmas raffle with all proceeds raised during the evening going to Cancer Research UK. Daisy and Lily Wood, whose grandmother died from cancer, are part of the organising group. Said Daisy: "The skill needed in bingo is quite high as you have to be a good listener and search for numbers quickly, so the mental speed, the ability to scan for information, and memory retention activity is good for you.

"Since the key to winning a game or card of bingo involves searching for digits, so it is very important not to miss a number, meaning sustained attention and greater cognitive skills." Daisy gives an assurance of a warm welcome and fun-filled evening. "A time for young and not so young, with the chance of winning some really excellent prizes," she said.

In the past, bingo was considered the province of older people. "But now the game has been taken up and enjoyed by many celebrities," said Lily. "These include Elle Macpherson, Robbie Williams, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Jade Jagger so lets all shout “house” for a fun filled evening while raising funds for such a worthwhile cause”.