THE Latino beat and a little taste of South America has come to Herefordshire.

Salsa dancing classes are proving a great success after coming to the Royal Oak in Ledbury in the shape of top Venezuelan DJ and dancer Thomas Melendez.

He has created an atmosphere that kept the audience riveted with his high energy displays of Latino passion.

Pub manageress Susan Wilkinson said the classes were proving to be very popular with the town's folk.

"We have people aged from 16 to 60 joining in," she said. "There are classes for beginners and no one needs to be frightened as it is more a great social occasion."

She added that so far more than 60 people attend and there is no compulsion for would-be dancers to attend every week.

"It is not strict. It is just about fun and it is great fun."

Classes take place each Wednesday night, starting at 8pm. The cost is £4 and there is a public bar.