CONCERNS have been raised that a party to celebrate the Queen's birthday in Ledbury will not be inclusive enough as a community event.

The town council is planning a tea party at Ledbury Community Hall, for Sunday, September 26, for 90 selected local residents aged 60 and above.

There will be music from the Ledbury Community Choir and "old time records" will be provided by the landlord of the Talbot, Andy Ward.

The party was discussed at last week's full town council meeting in the Community Hall, when one councillor asked whether the party would be inclusive enough, because of the limited numbers and the age range.

Cllr Tony Bradford, while stating he was "not a monarchist", recognised that people wanted to celebrate.

But he added that he had been "a bit alarmed" by the £1000 budget for the event, and he asked: "Why only 90 people and only a certain age? Could we not open this up to broader groups in the community?

"Open it up to everyone."

Local volunteer groups, residential homes and churches are to be contacted to provide names for the party.

In response to Cllr Bradford's question, Ledbury's deputy mayor, Cllr Elaine Fieldhouse said the town council could not afford to open up the party to more people.

She said: "We could not afford to do it. It's just the symbolic nature of it.

"We don't mean to ostracise anyone."

The town council has cut the proposed budget for the event from £1000 to £400, and a raffle could be held to raise funds.

Food donations for the event are to be sought from local businesses, including Tesco's.

The event will start at 3pm and end at 5pm.