THE work of John Betjeman is celebrated at a special evening at Mathon Church.

Performed by lifelong fan and a friend of the former poet laureate, Paul Vaughan, from Worcester, it will include poetry about Malvern and the local countryside.

"Mathon church is the perfect setting for the event. Betjeman wrote about and loved small country churches," said Mr Vaughan, who met Betjeman when he worked at the BBC.

The evening will include readings of poetry, an organ interlude and two Betjeman hymns.

"People loved John Betjeman because he had such a wonderful sense of humour. It was benign, gentle humour, not at anyone's expense," said Mr Vaughan.

The evening on Friday, April 29, starts with bell ringing, another of Betjeman's passions, and tickets cost £10, including refreshments and wine. Details and tickets from 01886 880711or 880392 or 01684 563790.