ONE of the highlights of the social calendar in Broadway could be on the way to making a comeback.

The "eight to 80s" hunt ball, a regular fixture at the Lygon Arms until around 20 years ago, has captured the imagination of the hotel's director and general manager Andrew Buchanan.

He is now appealing for local people who know the history of the event to contact him.

"It used to be one of the major events in the village," he said.

"I think it would be a great idea to bring it back."

Marion Houghton, wife of the chairman of the North Cotswold Hunt, is confident the plan will receive a warm reception from villagers and others connected with the hunt.

"It started many years ago," she said. "We used to hold the annual hunt ball at the Lygon Arms and there was always food left over,

"So the following night, the event was opened up at a cheaper rate, to anyone who was aged eight or over."

Mr Houghton added: "Sadly, the Americans came and took exception to scraping their chairs on a wooden floor, so the great hall was carpeted.

"It was no longer possible to hold the ball there, so both events fell by the wayside.

"I would be absolutely delighted to see its return."

Jamie Smith, a member of the North Cotswold Hunt, has fond memories of the eight to 80s balls at the Lygon.

"I went at the age of eight as one did in those days and it was a most wonderful event," he said.

"It was supported by the North Cotswold Hunt Pony Club and something to be really looked forward to in the Christmas holidays, probably the first occasion when one dressed for the occasion in black tie.

"I remember it as being a most terrific party."