A COLOURFUL frieze is the inspiration for a pageant about life in Bromyard past and present that will take place on April 10.

The pageant celebrates the official opening of the Bromyard Centre, which the public has been using since January 5.

Ludlow artist David Jones is creating the frieze for the centre. Members of the public came up with suggestions for its content after he held workshops in the town.

Town clerk Mike Cresswell had the idea for the pageant after seeing Mr Jones's plans for the frieze, which is a series of carved and interlocking panels, measuring 17 metres long, which will cover two sides of the new building.

"The frieze spans centuries of Bromyard's history as well as current events and gives enormous scope for a pageant," said Mr Cresswell.

Scenes depicted include elephants - a reminder of those belonging to the Chapman Family Circus, which wintered at Tack Farm, Winslow during the Second World War - a Morgan motor car, hop picking, cidermaking, the gala and folk festival and Bromyard's churches and historic buildings.

The frieze will be officially unveiled as part of the Bromyard Centre's opening celebrations.

Anybody who would like to be involved with the pageant should contact Mr Cresswell on 01885 482825.

l Artist David Jones at work on the frieze.