THANKFULNESS was the theme of Ledbury's annual Civic Service, held recently at the parish church of St Michael and All Angels.

As is by now traditional, the service began with a procession of dignitaries up one of Ledbury's most scenic streets, the cobbled Church Lane, which leads to the church.

In the procession were visiting mayors, councillors and representatives from a range of organisations, together with other guests, and they were led by Ledbury's new town crier, Clive Gunn, who is also the chairman of Ledbury in Bloom.

The church was packed for a service which included hymns and also music from the Ledbury Community Brass Band.

There were also poetry, readings, presentations from Eastnor Primary, Ledbury Primary and the John Masefield High School, and also from the St Michael's Young Church group.

Revd Mathew Clark delivered the sermon, on the theme of thankfulness.

The collection was for Salters Hill, which is based at Falcon Lane in Ledbury and helps young adults with learning difficulties.

Salters Hill has been chosen as this year's mayoral charity by Ledbury's mayor, Cllr Elaine Fieldhouse.

Cllr Fieldhouse said of the day:"Congratulations must go to everyone for making the day such a success, with huge thanks to all those who attended and for the wonderful people of Ledbury and the environs for their continued support."

Following the service, refreshments were served in the Community Hall at Lawnside.

The Civic Service is a yearly event each autumn in Ledbury, organised by the town council, as a way to bring together community groups and to celebrate the best qualities of the market town.