THERE were comedic scenes as a bid for Land of Hope and Glory to become the county's official anthem was rejected by Worcestershire County councillors.

Councillor Richard Udall proposed the motion at County Hall during the latest meeting of the authority.

Cllr Udall wanted the song to be adopted as Worcestershire's official anthem in celebration of the tune's composer, Sir Edward Elgar, who was born near Worcester.

And Cllr Udall, had hoped the anthem would be played before county council meetings.

Proposing the motion, Cllr Udall said: "I can assure members I don't intend to sing at any time during this proposal," which brought laughs from councillors.

"This council chamber is often a scene of political division of heated argument. I hope this motion can bring councillors across this chamber together.

"I have been attacked from members of the left and right in bringing this motion.

"It is not a waste of time to celebrate one of the county's greatest sons.

"Those on the left complain the lyrics are outdated, jingoistic. I reject that argument too.

"Elgar never liked the lyrics either. You just have to change their interpretation."

But Councillor Liz Tucker said: "It is the silly season I suppose.

"Elgar hated the words written to his beautiful music.

"We should not be looking back thinking how great we are, we live in a different world now."

Councillor Pattie Hill then brought out a vinyl copy of Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven, to highlight the Redditch born John Bonham from the band - which received applause.

"While I fully enjoy the music of Elgar, it's Led Zeppelin for me," she said.

Councillor Ken Pollock questioned whether there was even a need for an official anthem, while Councillor John Smith said: "It is a waste of time, we have already wasted 20 minutes on this."

A large majority voted against the motion, with only eight councillors voting in favour.

Arthur Christopher Benson penned Land of Hope and Glory in 1902 by adding words to Edward Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March No.1.