ON a day for shirtsleeves, bright ties and the occasional Panama, young Sam Hardwicke set his own up-to-the-minute pace.

Helping carry the banner at the head of the Heart of Oak Society parade through Fownhope on Saturday, Sam was taking one of Herefordshire oldest agricultural collectives into the future.

The sight of sporty sunglasses, bright tops, shorts and trainers among the 50-strong procession showed organisers all was well.

Fownhope Heart of Oak Society was founded in the 17th century as a kind of co-operative support scheme to guarantee parish farmers a five-shilling income over hard times.

The society survived in this form until the 1970s when what monies remained were shared out.

Now, says member Michael Andrews, it's more of a 'village heritage thing'.

And as long as the likes of 11-year-old Sam show an interest in that heritage, the society is good for a few more parades yet.