THE Five Hop Churches Festival is fast approaching.

Ashperton, Bosbury, Canon Frome, Munsley and Stretton Grandison will be awash with colour and ringing with music from June 23 to 25.

The parishes are joining together to provide a collaborative three-day event, which includes music, talks and tours.

Flower festivals in Ashperton, Canon Frome, Munsley and Stretton Grandison can be admired each day between 11am and 6pm, while bell-tower tours are top of the list at Bosbury on the Saturday and Sunday from 2pm until 4pm.

Bosbury is the venue for a 'Music for All' concert on Friday at 7.30pm and a 'Songs of Praise' at 7pm on Sunday in aid of St Michael's Hospice.

The Andy Masefield Jazz Band is the entertainment at Pridewood in Ashperton on Saturday evening.

Brian Willder will be giving illustrated talks on hop-picking through the ages at The White House in Canon Frome at midday and 4pm on the Saturday and Sunday.

Ticket information is available from The Old Country, Bosbury, Ledbury, Herefordshire HR8 1JX.