ONE of Ledbury's biggest annual celebrations, Community Day, will take place this Saturday (June 9), attracting hundreds of people to the town centre with an ambitious new programme and a fresh focus on children on families.

This will be reflected, in particular, by the attractions on offer, including pony rides and a family fun day at the Children's Centre, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary.

This will be the sixth Ledbury Community day to take place and will bring together over seventy local groups and organisations "to show Ledbury and district what they do and how they serve the community".

Paul Kinnaird, chairman of the organisers, said “We are looking forward to another great day to celebrate all that Ledbury has to offer thanks to the incredible work of those who support all these groups”.

Organiser Griff Holliday added: "The numbers of groups taking part are about the same but the attractions particularly for children and families are greater, and we are welcoming a number of new groups this year - Midlands Air Ambulance, Herefordshire Healthwatch, Riding for the Disabled, CPRE, Short Mat Bowls and Strong Young Minds, to name a few.

"There will be even more at this year’s Ledbury Community Day. Highlights from this year’s event include the Midlands Air Ambulance with their Helicopter Pod outside the Master’s House; pony rides with Herefordshire Riding for the Disabled in the Walled Garden; short mat bowls at the Community Centre; Open Day at Busy Bees in the newly refurbished former Youth Centre and a Family Fun Day with lots of activities celebrating ten years of the Children’s Centre.

Mr Holliday added: "You can try your hand at metal working and building a bug hotel at the Master’s House, bowling at the Bowling Club, and bell ringing under the Market House.

"And lots of local groups will be in the Burgage and St Katherine’s Halls and the Community Centre to meet you – ranging from local sports clubs, volunteer support groups, groups offering education and leisure activities, those concerned with the environment from wildlife to rubbish clearance, to several welfare groups present to tell you how they can help you.

"You can also provide your feedback on local health services to Herefordshire Healthwatch, and meet the Police and Fire Service at the Fire Station."

Visitors and residents alike will also be able to meet town councillors at the Burgage Hall and members of our Youth Council at St Katherine’s Hall.

All the heritage buildings will be open including the Parish Church which will holding a special Community Service on Sunday (June 10) at 9.30am.

The full programme for the day – where and at what time -is available on the Community Day website www.ledburycommunityday.org.uk and in the printed programme now available around town.

Most events are from 10am to 2pm but the Family Fun Day will be from noon to 3pm.