PARTY-goers are being urged to take action to make sure that their Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations go with a swing.

Environmental health officers are reminding residents that public entertainment, including singing and dancing, has by law to be licensed by the local authority.

Officers want public party planners to contact them in advance of events to find out if they need a licence. At least 28 days is required.

Graham Simm, environmental health officer with Wychavon District Council, said: "Our main priority is that residents enjoy themselves in a safe manner at properly organised public events."

Environmental health officers need to see a site plan of where the public event is to be held, how many people may attend, whether food is to be provided, details of where and when the event is to be held and what sort of entertainment there is to be.

Guest lists are currently being drawn up for a special party to be hosted by The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh this summer.

As part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, a garden party at Buckingham Palace is being organised on July 9 for people born on The Queen's Accession Day - February 6, 1952.

Anyone born on that day can apply for an invitation to this historic event for themselves and a partner or friend but applications need to be sent to the Lord Lieutenant of the relevant county - Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire or Oxfordshire.

Applications must be received by January 31 and must be accompanied by a copy of the applicant's birth certificate plus details of the accompanying guest.

"This will be a wonderful opportunity for people to celebrate their half-century with the Queen's own half-century of reign," said Henry Elwes, the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire.