The Malvern Hills will not be represented in the national chain of beacons being lit to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.

Ian Rowat, of Malvern Hills Conservators, said nobody had been willing to organise it.

"If we'd had a request from a group or organisation in the town for a beacon we would have supported it," he said.

Mr Rowat said it was not up to the Conservators to decide to spend public money on a fire if the town did not want one.

However, a number of events have been organised to mark the anniversary today (Friday).

These include a Trafalgar Day coffee morning at Somers Park Methodist Church, Malvern, last Saturday (October 15), with John and Sonja Rogers showing their collection of Nelson and Trafalgar memorabilia.

A Trafalgar supper was held at Leigh and Bransford Village Hall on the same day, with Colin Bowden giving a talk on Nelson's navy, in aid of St Richard's Hospice.

On Sunday (October 16), 47 members and friends of Malvern Civic Society attended the Trafalgar exhibition at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich.

A 30ft straw man will be set alight on War Hill, Fromes Hill, tonight, at 7.30pm. There will also be a firework display.

A roast beef dinner in honour of Nelson takes place at The Feathers Hotel, Ledbury, tonight at 7.45pm. Proceeds will go to various charities. Ledbury's Market Theatre will host a concert of nautical ballards on Sunday (October 23), at 7.30pm, to raise money for the RNLI.

A united service of celebration takes place at St Mary's Church, Bishop's Frome on Sunday (October 23), at 6.30pm.

Sea shanties will entertain diners at a Trafalgar dinner at Colwall Village Hall on November 11, being organised by the Inner Wheel. Tickets are £15.50 from Smiles hairdressers in Malvern Wells or on 01684 563036.