FAMILIES burned clothing and dumped furniture as Herefordshire was invaded by ‘woolly bears’ in the 1970s.

Members of our We Grew Up In Hereford group have been sharing their memories of the beetle invasion, which made national news.

Cheryl Newman said she remembered people burning carpets, curtains and furniture, while Denise Owen said her family took their blankets and rugs to burn on a huge bonfire in a field near Ethelstan Crescent.

William Bowkett remembered having to move out for a week while his home was sprayed with insecticide.

And it was a sad time for Alan Eyles, whose father burned all his soft toys in case they had been infected.

“I’ve seen one just like I had on Bargain Hunt selling for up to £100,” he said.