COMMUNITY spirit was a common theme throughout the village celebrations in Castlemorton and Welland.

A gymkhana with around 20 horses was the centrepiece of Saturday's Golden Jubilee celebrations on Castlemorton Common.

Organised by the Castlemorton Commoners' Association, there were events for children throughout the afternoon and for adults in the evening.

Sunshine beamed on the cycle races, dog shows, band concert and other events during the afternoon, while during the evening a bar and pig roast put everyone in a sociable mood.

"I think we must have had about 500 people there of all ages," said Bryan Smith, chairman of Castlemorton Parish Council.

"It was excellent. We were very lucky with the weather and it was thoroughly enjoyed by everybody."

The object of the fundraising at Welland was the renovation of the bell in the school tower, which overlooks the playing field where all the events were taking place.

Rain had not dampened enthusiasm for football, skittles, bat and ball races and face painting, and even the Welland village Jubilee family quiz.

Les Willis was playing modern and patriotic tunes from a rig set up on the side of a lorry trailer parked on the grass and the entertainment went on well into the evening.

Roger Cousins, chairman of the parish council and organiser, paid tribute to the community spirit, saying everyone had "pulled together wonderfully" to make the event happen.

Suzanne Currie, who was watching the children's races with daughters Rebecca, 10, and Emily, 13, agreed.

"We're just having a good day," she said. "It's nice to see the whole community out together."