TWINS Hugh and Bethan Bishop found themselves in the spotlight when they were asked to do an important job at Leominster Library.

The Leominster Junior School pupils, aged 10, were special guests at the library's 10th birthday celebration.

The youngsters were asked to cut a huge birthday cake and guests at the event responded by singing 'Happy Birthday' to the twins.

Hugh and Bethan were thrilled to be VIPs for the morning and said they were looking forward to their own birthday celebration with family and friends after school.

Controversial move

The new Leominster Library opened at the (then) new Buttercross development in April 1993, following some controversy. Many townspeople objected to having a first floor facility reached via stairs or a lift.

The row fizzled out and library lending and activities soared.

Librarian Peter Holliday told guests the new building was 'a great improvement on the cramped and dark conditions' at the old Leominster library at South Street and it was time to celebrate a great success.

He paid tribute to his former boss, Michael Messenger, for getting the new facility up and running.

Monthly art and photographic exhibitions have become a popular feature attracting visitors from over a wide area - the exhibition room is booked up for the next 12 months.

Tuesday's birthday celebration took place against a backdrop of photographs of Victorian Leominster taken by TH Winterbourn between 1870 and 1910.

The display, which is on show until the end of April, is part of a 10th anniversary programme of talks and events.