A ONE-armed straw man - in deference to Admiral Lord Nelson - will go up in flames to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.

The 30-feet high figure, containing around a ton of straw, will be put on Ward Hill, Fromes Hill.

It will be larger than any of the five previous straw men burnt on the hill, with the possible exception of the monster that went up in flames to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee three years ago.

The Nelson man will be lit at 7.15pm on Friday, October 21, as one of many beacons to be lit at that time across the nation.

Landowner and party organiser Maurice Herbert said: "You'll see this for miles and we expect a decent crowd of people here, because there is a lot of interest locally in Nelson."

There will also be a firework display and those attending will be asked to bring their own barbecues and refreshments.

Meanwhile, Dymock Parish Council is still seeking a suitable field for the village's own celebration, also planned for next Friday.

Parish councillor John George said he hoped that a bonfire celebration could take place in a field off the Dymock to Ledbury Road.

He said: "It's running a bit late but all is not lost and hopefully we'll be able to do something."

Ledbury's Market Theatre will host All Hands Make Sail on Sunday, October 23, at 7.30pm.

The Larboard Watch choir will raise money for the RNLI with a programme of nautical ballads from Nelson's day. Tickets are available from Three Counties Bookshop, in Ledbury High Street.

There will be a roast beef dinner in honour of Nelson at The Feathers Hotel in Ledbury on Trafalgar Day, Friday, October 21, at 7.45pm. Proceeds will be in aid of various charities, including St James's Church, West Malvern. For tickets, call 01684 892380.