WORCESTER'S Victorian Christmas Fayre has been named as one of the top Yuletide events in the UK by a national newspaper.

The Daily Mirror ranked the city's Christmas carnival second behind Birmingham in a round-up of the best festive fairs.

That comes as no surprise to Councillor Marc Bayliss, who called the Fayre "a highlight of the year".

Its "homespun" charm means it tops even Birmingham's German Christmas Market in Councillor Bayliss's books.

Councillor Bayliss, city council cabinet member for economic prosperity, said: "It's great to hear as I'm always pleased when Worcester and the efforts of Worcester people are recognised.

"I think Worcester's Christmas Fayre is great.

"It's a highlight of the year and I look forward to it being a success this year as it has been for years before.

"It is a fantastic few days and nights of entertainment.

"No disrespect to Birmingham, but I think ours is a more compact area and that gives it more atmosphere.

"The Worcester one is more individual.

"In Birmingham, there are all wooden chalets which look nice but they're all very standard, whereas Worcester is more homespun and unique."

The Mirror highlighted 16 Christmas events across the UK - with 12 in England, one in Scotland, one in Northern Ireland and two in Wales.

Organisers Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce have said there will be more than 150 stalls at this year's Fayre - more than ever before.

In excess of 100,000 people from far and wide pack the streets of the city annually for the event, which is in its 22nd edition this year.

The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Alan Amos, called the Mirror's article "fantastic news".

Councillor Amos said: "The crowds are getting bigger each year and the Fayre is tremendous for the city.

"It boosts economic activity, puts the city more and more on the map and continues to get bigger."

Adrian Field, head of Worcester's Business Improvement District (BID), called the Fayre "a great shop window for Worcester".

"It draws a lot of people in for four days and beyond as well," he said.

"People come back and realise what Worcester has to offer at other times of the year.

"It's a key component in Worcester's events calendar."

From next year, LSD Promotions - who have taken over the management of Angel Place - will be running the Fayre.

The Victorian-themed market comes to the city from Thursday, November 27 to Sunday 30.

It is open on Thursday 27 from 12noon to 9pm, on Friday from 11am to 9pm, on Saturday from 10am to 8pm and on Sunday from 11am to 5pm.

For more information go to visitworcestershire.org/christmasfayre