ENTHUSIASTS of the work of Bromsgrove’s most famous son gathered in the town to commemorate the poet's birthday.

A E Housman, one of England's foremost poets and classical scholars, was born in Fockbury on March 26, 1859.

On Tuesday the Bromsgrove-based Housman Society, which has members worldwide, organised a commemoration around his statue in High Street.

The event, in its 27th year, was due to begin at 12.30pm, but due to the bitterly cold weather, organisers made the decision to switch locations for the traditional speeches to the Council House, in Burcot Lane.

Among those in attendance were council dignitaries including Bromsgrove District Council’s chairman June Griffiths, civic head Janice Boswell and chief executive Kevin Dicks.

There was a talk from society chairman Jim Page who welcomed the day’s main guest, vice chairman of the society Robin Shaw.

Mr Shaw is the author of the highly successful book Housman’s Places, and also illustrated Three Bromsgrove Poets, which was republished last year.

The winner of the annual Housman competition, Emily Collie from Bromsgrove School, also read out her winning poem - a moving interpretation of Housman’s The laws of God, the laws of man.

Mr Page told the Advertiser that he was delighted the event had once again been a success and enjoyed a good turnout, despite the weather.

He added that the society was always looking for new members, and encouraged anybody interested to visit the society’s website, housman-society.co.uk.