RANGERS are inviting people to learn the traditional craft of hedge-laying.

Worcester City Council rangers will be leading a group of volunteers in constructing a hedge just off Junction 6 of the M5, where it joins the A449, on Saturday.

No previous skill is needed to take part in the session, which takes place from 10am to 3pm.

Ranger Richard Clarke will be leading the session, which will start with an introduction to the day's task.

Warwick Neale, of the ranger service, said the skill of hedge-laying, which dates from pre-Anglo-Saxon days, was vital to the community.

"Virtually every county in England developed its own style and methods - many of them peculiar to that region," he said.

"Worcestershire was no exception. But several centuries on, the feature they all share is that the art is in very real danger of being lost forever.

"That's why it is important that we do all we can to preserve the old techniques," Mr Neale added.

To take part in the hedge-laying session or for information about this and other activities organised by the ranger service please telephone 01905 722328.