THE Herefordshire Federation of Women's Institutes is marking its 80th anniversary with a special concert at Hereford Cathedral in September.

Headlining the September 15 event will be the 18-year-old virtuoso violinist, Cora Venus Lunny, who began studying the violin at the age of just three and was 'discovered' by Yehudi Menuhin when she was six. She has subsequently studied with Eugene Sarbu, Rimma Sushanskayya and Vladimir Spikavov.

Cora's repertoire ranges from baroque via classical, romantic and impressionist works to contemporary composers. She will be accompanied by pianist Deborah Kelleher, with whom she has played for many years.

The WI was founded in 1897 in Ontario, Canada and made its first appearance on this side of the Atlantic in Anglesey in 1915. The Herefordshire Federation of Women's Institutes, which was founded in 1920, now has 2,000 members and 91 institutes.

The county federation stages regular events, one of the most recent of which saw the acclaimed race-horse trainer Jenny Pitman as guest speaker. All WI events are open to non-members.

"The Cathedral concert is the highlight of the WI Year and we look forward to seeing as many people as possible celebrating in such a marvellous venue," said the WI's county press officer, Tessa Lacey.

Tickets for the concert are available from Classical Outback, Church Street, Hereford and WI House, 90 St Owen Street, Hereford (telephone 01432 272268).