THE VERY best of Ledbury was on show last Saturday, for its annual Community Day.

The celebration of the market town's many organisations and groups was the fifth in a row to take place, and Ledbury's newly-elected mayor, Cllr Elaine Fieldhouse, described the event as "an absolute delight".

She said: "I did my best to visit as many organisations as possible and apologise to those I missed. The brass band was wonderful and provided a marvellous background. Well done to Ledbury Youth Council for staging their first event on the Recreation Ground. Congratulations to everyone involved.”

Community Day spokesman, Griff Holliday said: "The rain kept off to enable over 75 different groups and organisations based in or serving Ledbury to show what they do, what they offer in all kinds of different ways and what support can help them do more.

"Many groups reported good interest from those attending, and a number of charity groups including Ledbury Refugee Support and Home-Start Herefordshire were pleased to touch base with potential new supporters."

Mr Holliday added: "The Cricket Club were successful with sales of paving to fund their new mower, and the Visually Impaired Support Group equally so with their raffle for an embroidered cushion."

Comments received included, ““I do hope the organisers feel it was worth all that effort. It is amazing that a town the size of Ledbury has so many organisations” and “The day was very helpful actually and we got half a dozen signatures from people offering various sorts of help – so a few hours well-spent.”

Mr Holliday added: "The Market Place resounded with the sound of the Community Brass Band and the chimes of bells generated by the Ledbury and District Bell Ringers teaching simulator under the Market House.

"For many, it was a first opportunity to visit the 14th century St. Katherine’s Chapel next to St Katherine’s Hall.

The Ledbury Youth Council braved the weather to put on the first Community Day Family Picnic in the afternoon on the Recreation Ground. It was hardly a day for picnicking but a number of young people enjoyed the activities and nearly £30 was raised for Acorns charity."

Paul Kinnaird, Chair of Ledbury Community Day Organising Committee, “The feedback from those who joined the event is that Community Day continues to be a great way for local groups to meet people and show what they do to help the community in all kinds of ways.”