John Kyrle, one of the most famous sons of Ross, was brought to life on Saturday in celebration of his birthday.

Well-known local actor Brian Jackson donned the wig and breeches to play the part of John Kyrle and his wife, Judy was his housekeeper. As well as giving out gold coins to children they gave away dozens of hedgehog shaped bread rolls. This was a way of remembering just two of the many acts of kindness the original John Kyrle performed for the residents of the town.

And the organisation which restored John Kyrle, the Association of Ross Traders (ART), was also celebrating as the day brought people flocking to the town.

The first event of the day was the unveiling of the mosaic, The Spirit of Ross, which is situated on the walls of the Library.

Youngsters from local schools, along with representatives from many groups who had contributed to the mosaic, were joined by local historians and other interested people. They watched as the ribbon was officially cut by the Deputy Mayor, Councillor David Ravenscroft. They were then presented with certificates by Antony Lowther of EnviroAbility, who had co-ordinated the project. The Mayor of Ross, Jo Lane, was on official duties elsewhere.

The Spirit of Ross celebrates the life and works of the 'Man of Ross'. The centre was designed by artist Janice Barret and features John Kyrle and the hedgehogs which are the symbol of Ross.

Each segment of the surround was designed by a different group or organisation, including the John Kyrle High School, the U3A, Ross on Wye Walkers group and many local primary schools.

Sadly two people who had been vital to the development of the mosaic were unable to be there. The artist Janice Barret and Dennis Humble of EnviroAbility were both in hospital.

Dennis was the person who led the mosaic project and inspired the idea for the John Kyrle Day.

After a piper led the parade from the Mosaic to the Market Place gold coins and rolls were distributed. In the afternoon Mary Sinclair Powell organised a guided walk around the town and Walkers are Welcome took a group on the John Kyrle Walk.

The House and Summer House where John Kyrle lived in Ross were opened for guided tours and plenty of youngsters spent a few hours following the clues for the treasure hunt.

ART hopes that they will be able to organise an annual event around the time of John Kyrle's birthday.