ORGANISERS of last week's candle lit vigil under the Market House, against racial intolerance, are hailing it as a "beautiful and inspirational" happening, which might be only the beginning of similar goodwill events in the Ledbury area.

One idea is to actively go out to local fruit farms in the local area, where there are many season Eastern European workers, with a message of friendship and fellowship.

The candle lit vigil, on Thursday July 7, came about due to a suggestion from the human rights campaigner, Peter Tatchell, who appeared at this year's Ledbury Poetry Festival.

At Mr Tatchell's appearance, former Ledbury town councillor, Richard Hadley, expressed concern about "hatred and racism in our community, following the threats and abuse against outsiders since the referendum", and Mr Tatchell suggested the candle lit vigil by way of a response.

Police have confirmed there has been one reported incident in Ledbury of "alleged racially aggravated verbal abuse" since the Brexit referendum.

This was reported on June 30 it is currently being investigated by officers.

Speaking this week, Mr Hadley said of last week's vigil: "It was really beautiful and inspirational, a very gentle, warm-hearted gathering. About 100 people turned up at very short notice with candles, some with readings and things to say.

"As the light fell, the atmosphere was magical under the Market House, with Ledbury people, some from Hereford and Malvern, and people from the East European community. Everybody agreed with the words of Jo Cox, that there is far more that unites us than divides us."

He added: "I gave a short speech while others read poems, including John Donne's moving: No man is an island, entire of himself.' The Methodist Minister of Malvern urged everyone to wear a safety pin to signify solidarity and cohesion, and opposition to hate and intolerance. Another speaker quoted St Paul's words on Love, from his letter to the Corinthians.The Vigil ended at about 11pm."

The whole event was live streamed on the internet.

Mr Hadley said: " A few people came up to me afterwards to suggest that we go out to to some of the fruit farms in the district, and take the message of welcome to the seasonal workers. That's something we'll be working on over the summer."