A HEREFORDSHIRE Young Farmers group is on the up after securing a final berth at a national drama competition.

Eardisley Young Farmers' Club will travel to Blackpool next month to perform at the Winter Gardens having reached the final of the NFYFC (National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs) Performing Arts Drama competition.

The county performed 'Murder in the Red Barn' which secured them success in an early round in Hereford before going on to take first place at both the Midlands and Southern England area rounds.

Before the Blackpool final on May 7, members will perform the show at Lady Hawkins School in Kington next Friday (29th) with doors opening at 6pm and curtains up at 7pm.

The production was particularly demanding for senior Eardisley member Llewelyn Williams who took on the lead role of William Corder.

He has since been awarded with the 'Best Male Actor Under 26' prize on three separate occasions, at Herefordshire, West Midlands and Southern Area Finals.

It will be their first time on a National stage for over a decade. They will be joined by the County Choir the following day, made up of 20 members from various clubs all over Herefordshire.

Eardisley's President, Andrew Edwards, said: "They're a brilliant bunch of people who are so friendly and talented. It makes you even more proud to come from Herefordshire. They deserve everyone’s support."

The final appearance caps an impressive year for the club. Last June was Eardisley YFC's 70th anniversary which saw members host an anniversary dinner and dance for more than 400 guests.

During the build-up to the celebration, the club held a Fun Ride with more than 50 horses, and a tractor run for dozens of tractors. They decided to offer half of the tractor run proceeds to the Midlands Air Ambulance with representatives from the charity last month dropping by to receive the £500 cheque.

Anyone wanting to attend the National Drama Final in Blackpool on May 7th can book tickets on 02476 857200.

Anyone interested in the Lady Hawkins School showing next Friday can either pay on the door or pre-order tickets by calling 07766 521383. Tickets are priced at £5 for adults and £3 for children.

Meanwhile, during the Southern Area Finals, an all-girl team of Megan Watkins (Craswall YFC), Lily Layton, and Georgia Helme (both Lugg Valley YFC) were awarded second place in the Junior Speaking competition. Megan also received the award for Best Speaker, after her compelling speech on Farm Safety.

On a winning streak, she also took first place in the Junior Member of the Year competition at West Midland Area. Her team will now go on to represent Herefordshire YFC at the National Finals on Saturday, Jul 2, along with a Junior Reading team from Eardisley YFC, and George Layton (Lugg Valley YFC) in the Situations Vacant competition.