COMMONWEALTH MP'S COMING TO HEREFORD

11.00.00am GMT Fri 20th Feb 2004

Prominent politicians from all over the Commonwealth are set to descend on Herefordshire in a few weeks time.

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), a body that promotes democracy in Commonwealth Nations within a parliamentary framework, is to hold a special two day function in Hereford on the 5th and 6th of March.

The meeting, which will focus on the issue of democracy at a local level, will visit Herefordshire at the suggestion to the CPA of local Lib Dem MP Paul Keetch.

"It is a great honour for the CPA to have decided to come to Hereford," the MP said. "There will be some senior Commonwealth figures visiting and I believe that this can only be a good thing for the county."

Delegates from all over the Commonwealth are expected at the event, from countries as far apart as Australia, India, Canada and Kenya.

"Herefordshire is a beautiful county and a fitting place for such an event," Mr Keetch said. "I am sure that everyone will enjoy the surroundings and that it will be a very worthwhile meeting. I hope that all the delegates will be returning home with glowing reports of Herefordshire."