THE Pershore Jazz Festival was back with a bang at the weekend, with visitors from across the country hailing it an "amazing success".

Just 12 months ago, the festival was cancelled due to lack of funds - but this year thrilled visitors have already begun donating cash to safeguard future performances.

And with more than 1,000 visitors, even a two-hour torrential downpour yesterday afternoon failed to dampen the party atmosphere.

"Everyone I have spoken to has said what a tremendous success it was, and I know visitors to the town were amazed we could hold such a festival," said Val Wood, Pershore's chairman of tourism and one of the organisers.

"People phoned me up beforehand to ask where Pershore was and I think this has really helped put the town on the map.

"But we don't want the event to become as large as the Upton festival. We are looking to keep it small and intimate but still bring tourists in from outside the area."

Hotels, restaurants and pubs were packed during the event, which was advertised nationally.

Plans for the 2004 festival are already underway.