LEDBURY'S Silurian Border Morrismen are celebrating their fiftieth anniversary with a lively programme of events.

Founded in 1969, the side has remained faithful to the traditional dances collected over the years from documents and people in the border counties.

In the half-century since its inception, the side has performed at events across Britain and the continent.

But as well as being regulars at fetes, festivals and gatherings all over the region, Silurian has also rubbed cheeks with royalty.

When the Queen visited Hereford in her jubilee year, Silurian were chosen to represent local culture and tradition.

And when Liz Hurley needed some birthday fun, she invited them all to perform at her Herefordshire mansion!

50 years on, the side still has some of its original members dancing and providing enthusiastic musical accompaniment.

A testament, perhaps, to the health benefits of regular dancing - and cider drinking!

The side's 'Arthur Sentry' year kicks off with a barn dance at The Cube, Malvern on April 13 followed by a day of dance, when the side will be joined by morrismen from across the country outside Ledbury Market House at 11am on April 14.

For barn dance tickets, visit www.malverncube.com/tickets