SHOPPERS in Worcester were doing a double take when they spotted a man walking about the city centre with his gorilla.

The event was part of a range of entertainment being laid on across the Faithful City during the Worcester Festival 2005.

Since it began on Saturday, August 6, the festival has provided almost 300 activities for Worcester residents and tourists to the city, including workshops, exhibitions, theatre and music gigs.

"The festival has grown amazingly since it first began three years ago," said Worcester festival director Chris Jaeger.

"It is genuinely a festival for everybody in Worcester and the surrounds to enjoy."