PREPARATIONS are underway for a celebration of civic pride in Bracknell this weekend.

National Civic Day, which will take place on Saturday (16), celebrates areas of conservation in towns and cities across the country and to raise awareness of the historical significance of where residents live.

Two local dance groups will be taking to Bond Square, in The Lexicon, to celebrate the occasion from 11am to 2pm.

Bracknell's OBJ Morris Dancers and the Bracknell Forest U3A Dancers, supported by the Rotary Club of Easthampstead, will perform a number of dances in the square, the first event of its kind to be held in the new shopping area.

Bagman Colin Charman said: "We'd spotted that National Civic Day was approaching a few weeks ago, so we set about finding out whether anyone else was doing anything to celebrate it. We drew a blank so we asked the U3A dancers and the local Rotarians if they'd like to set up a small event, then maybe we'll grow it for next year.

"The Lexicon's management team have been very helpful in providing space and publicity. The Bracknell Forest Mayor will be coming along to open the event."