BUSINESS leaders in Hay-on-Wye are sending letters to more than 180 heads of state – including US president Donald Trump – inviting them to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of Hay’s independence.

While MPs have debated whether the leader of the free world should be granted a state visit to the UK the independent kingdom is making contingency plans if the billionaire president does turn up,.

Andrew Williams, of the Hay Chamber of Commerce which is organising the independence celebrations, said: "Of course Mr Trump divides opinion. We have put local Hay greengrocers on alert to begin stockpiling vegetables for towns-folk to welcome him if he does attend.

"And of course Derek Addyman, in his role as Prince of the Kingdom of Hay, could even have him consigned to stocks in the Butter Market if he doesn’t behave. But whoever joins us, we hope it will be a huge celebration of the independent spirit that makes Hay so special."

Bookshop owner Richard Booth declared Hay an independent kingdom, and himself its king, on April 1, 1977. Since then the town has established itself as a centre of the second hand book trade.

Mr Trump and other world leaders have been invited to attend, or send a representative, to attend events to mark the anniversary or failing that suggest a piece of literature that best represents their nation.

A letter sent to the American Embassy in London says: "As you are no doubt aware, the first of April 2017 marks the fortieth anniversary of the independence of Hay. On that date in 1977, Richard Booth proclaimed himself King of Hay and declared Hay to be an independent state. In the intervening decades, Hay, has flourished under its monarch, and is internationally recognised as the birthplace of the Book Town movement, as well as being a renowned centre for culture and the arts.

"We are now planning events to mark the anniversary, and it would be out pleasure if you or a representative of your government could join us to celebrate this landmark occasion. Hay has always been a peace-loving nation, and we are keen to foster closer links with our brothers and sisters in less well developed countries (such as our neighbours in the United Kingdom).

"In the unlikely event that you are unable to attend, the King begs your indulgence in helping to mark the anniversary by building a list of the best loved books in the world."