THERE will not be a pair of wellies in sight when past and present members of Hanley Swan Young Farmers celebrate the group's 25th anniversary.

Preparations are well underway for a black-tie dinner and dance at Hill Court Farm, between Welland and Upton, on Saturday, June 23.

Now current members are working hard to spread word of the event, hoping as many familiar faces as possible from the club's history will attend.

"The celebration is for anybody who has ever been involved in the Hanley Swan Young Farmers, or any other group in Worcestershire," said current member Katie Joynes. "We're hoping to get a real range of ages at the event, and it should be something for everybody to enjoy."

Young Farmers members need not have any connection to the agricultural world. The group takes part in a variety of activities both locally and nationally, from go-karting trips to supporting charities, and also simply meeting up to socialize.

"Some of our members have come from a farming background, but others don't have anything at all to do with it," said Miss Joynes. "There's always lots going on, especially in the summer which is a very busy time for us."

There are currently around 15 people involved with the group, which is actively seeking new members. "A lot of the people have been there for years, and we are mostly in our late 20s now, whereas Young Farmers should really be more towards the late teens," said Miss Joynes. "We do need new members - it would be a real shame to celebrate the 25th anniversary and then see it disappear in the next year or so."

For tickets to the anniversary ball, priced £32, or more information on the group, call Katie Joynes on 07748 151235.