ORGANISERS of a royal-themed fete near Droitwich didn't let themselves get dismayed by the prospect of bad weather on Saturday.

Although heavy rain and high winds has been predicted for the day, Salwarpe Fete went on undaunted and was rewarded with a sunny afternoon.

The event, held annually, this year marked the Queen's 90th birthday, with the village's own Barbara Meddings, who is also 90, dressing up as Her Majesty to provide the right royal flourish.

Visitors to the event at Churchfield Farm were invited to dress in red, white and blue, and among the attractions they enjoyed was a bucking bronco, with prizes for the adults and children who could stay on the longest, a family quiz, a cactus lasso and performances from the Wychavon W Factor finalists.

There was also music from the West Mercia Police Brass Band and the Worcester Ukulele Band, while in the nearby village church, there was the chance to hear the St Richard's Hospice Choir, and look at floral displays, the handiwork of the Saltway Quilters and an exhibition of local history.

Carol Hughes of the organising committee said: "The gate was definitely down on last year, probably because of the weather. We had 900 adults paying on the gate, so it you add in children and the volunteers, that's probably about 1,300 on site.

"Everyone who came really enjoyed it and the police band and the ukulele band were much appreciated.

The event is held to raise money for church funds, and Mrs Hughes said that like the gate figure, the final total will probably be down on last year.

She said: "We're estimating that we're going to collect about £10,000, which is not as much as we got last year or the year before, but that can't be helped. We've had two years with good weather, and I just had the feeling that we were due a wet one.

"But the show will go on and already we're thinking about next year. As always, we're on the lookout for volunteers, because volunteers make the show happen, and we'd love to hear from anyone who wants to join us for next year."

Mrs Hughes can be contacted on 01905 456442.