MORE than 150 people attended a civic service at St Michael and All Angels Church in Ledbury. The mayor and civic dignitaries from Ledbury, Hereford and other areas processed from the council offices up the ancient cobbled streets to the church, led by the colourful figure of town crier, Bill 'The Bell' Turberfield.

This important annual event marks the pledge of the committee by the new mayor and Ledbury town councillor Annette Crowe. The service, with input from Annette, included a mix of songs, poems, prayers, brass band music, choral renditions, and uplifting hymns. There were readings by pupils from Ledbury Primary School, John Masefield High School and Sixth Form College and a sermon about the Good Samaritan from the Rev Deborah Cornish.

After the service all guests were invited to the community centre for a delicious high tea.