Party to mark the Queen's reign and birthday is a big community success in Ledbury

The town branch of Tesco's provided nearly all the food and drink, and a number of local cafes also supplied cakes, including Nice Things, Handley Organics and the Market Cafe.

A specially commissioned cake was donated by The Homend Shopping Mall and created and made by Bakers Dozen in Bye Street, and Andy Ward, landlord of the Talbot in New Street, played records of old time music.

Readings on the theme of the Queen were presented by members of the Ledbury Amateur Dramatic Society, and live music and song was provided by Philip Holland, on the organ.

Flowers for the tables were provided by Bamboo.

The event took place on Sunday, September 25 at the Lawnside Road venue, where town councillors played host to more than one hundred of Ledbury's senior citizens: more than the 90 guests originally planned for.

Cllr Martin Eager, chairman of the town's environment and leisure committee, and also the manager of the Community Hall, said: "It was a big occasion, and a lot of work was involved in the planning. But people had an excellent time. We could not invite everyone, obviously, but it was our way of giving something back to some people who have contributed something to the town."

Local volunteer groups, residential homes and churches were contacted to provide names for the party.

The party was hosted by town councillors including the mayor, Cllr Debbie Baker, the deputy major, Elaine Fieldhouse, Cllr Annette Crowe, Cllr Bob Barnes and Cllr Keith Francis.

Others involved in the planning were community stalwart, Brenda Hill, well known for her work with Ledbury Carnival, former mayoress, Jill Jupp, and former town councillor, Hilary Jones.

Transport to and from the event, for those in need of it, was provided by former town mayor, Clive Jupp.

Cllr Crowe said: "It was a real community effort."

"I can say the event was a great success and everybody had a wonderful time," said Cllr Eager.