A 25-POUNDER field gun made by Peterchurch gunsmith John Slough will blast off the Battle Proms Concerts 2000.

The well-known gun-maker will provide more than 200 cannons and muskets for the Ragley Hall concert in Alcester, Warwickshire, and the proms at Attingham Park, Shrewsbury.

John was a gunsmith and gun-maker in Hereford for 25 years. Since his shop in Church Street closed in 1994 he has continued business in Peterchurch, concentrating on the conservation and restoration of artillery for museums, including the new Royal Artillery Museum in London.

He has built more than 200 Napoleonic blank-firing cannons, which are used throughout the film industry and other events that require salutes. These cannons are fired electronically and can be combined with other pyrotechnical effects.

The Battle Symphony tributing Wellington's victory at the concerts will be accompanied by more than 190 of Mr Slough's live canons and his field gun will be brought back into play for the Explosions Polka and Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture.

The concerts, which include cavalry and infantry displays and fireworks, are organised by his son Adam.

"Having been an apprentice gun- maker with my father since college and heavily involved in the development of our cannon-firing displays, I decided to start up my own company organising open air picnic concerts that incorporate our cannon displays.

"These concerts are known as the Battle Proms Concerts and are a combination of orchestral music, cavalry, infantry and cannons," explained Adam.

The diversification allows them to use their skills as gun-makers following the decline in the gun trade through bad press and legislation.

The Battle Proms Concert is at Ragley Hall on Saturday, July 1 and at Attington Park on Saturday, July 15. The information and booking line is 01432 355416.