THE last place you would look to find dignitaries of Pacific islands the other side of the world would be at a Hereford hotel.

But last week the High Commissioners of Papua New Guinea, Fiji and the Honorary Consul of Kiribati gathered at the Three Counties Hotel to mark the 42nd Papua New Guinea independence celebrations.

Each year the independence celebration event is held at a different UK venue where former residents and ex-pats gather along with dignitaries.

This year Hereford residents Ken and Margaret Joel, who lived in Papua New Guinea for 13 years, volunteered to host the event.

Over 70 people from across the country from as far afield as Ipswich,York and Leeds travelled to Hereford for the celebration.

The Three Counties Hotel was decorated with balloons in the colours of the Papua New Guinea flag, bunting and flags.

Guests had a meal at the hotel which was followed by party games and a disco. The national anthem of Papua New Guinea was also sang and speeches about the country were given.