A BLAENAU Gwent charity is welcoming some of the Queen's own guards for an event to celebrate her 90th birthday.

The Hospice of the Valleys is organising an afternoon concert and fun day outside its offices in Festival Drive, Ebbw Vale.

Tradeteam, who share the building with the hospice, are helping to organise the event on Sunday, June 12, which runs from 1pm to 4pm.

The Welsh Guards, whose duties include guarding Buckingham Palace have agreed to send a group of soldiers in ceremonial dress to the event – and there will be the opportunity for the public to have their photographs taken with them on the day.

Cwm Male Choir, the Abergavenny Borough Band and Ebbw Vale Male Choir who will all perform during the afternoon.

There will also be entertainment for children, a raffle and tombola and other games, stalls and a bar and light refreshments will be available including tea and coffee, wood-fired pizzas and a cake stall by Love’s café in Ebbw Vale.

Helen Morgan, fundraiser for the hospice, said: "The Hospice of the Valleys and Tradeteam are very proud to put on this event for the Queen’s 90th birthday and we hope lots of people across Blaenau Gwent will support this, and raise money for our hospice at the same time.

‘We are very grateful to Tradeteam for all their help in organising this event, and to the Welsh Guards for agreeing to attend on the day.’

Tickets for the event are £3 and are on sale now from the hospice offices or the hospice charity shop in Ebbw Vale. Telephone 01495 717277 for more information or to buy tickets.