FAMILIES were out and about in Worcestershire during the last weekend of the summer holidays.

The village of Wick, near Pershore, went back to its swashbuckling roots with a pirate-themed fete, inspired by an old poem that tells of buried treasure in the village.

Saturday’s fete broke attendance records, with crowds of about 600.

It took place in St Mary’s Church and included pirate-themed activities such as games of walk the plank and sink the boat, with music provided by Wyred Up and Pershore Brass.

Stalls, games and an auction raised about £5,500 for St Mary’s Church and the local diocese.

Pirate chief Brian Gale said: “It was a super day.”

Meanwhile another Worcestershire village proved it has got talent at its annual show with a special performance from Britain’s Got Talent finalists Tina and Chandi.

About 3,000 turned up to the 59th annual Alfrick and Lulsley Show and Fete, featuring a full programme of events, including a dog show, aerobatic display and horticultural show.

David Hughes, a member of the show committee, said: “The show went really well. We had a superb day.”

Sunday saw teams compete in a battle of their wits in an It’s a Knockout event in aid of the Emily Jordan Foundation.

The event was held at RGS The Grange school, where 16 teams of 12 took part in a variety of challenges including a three-legged ski walk and human table football.

The foundation was set up to help people with learning difficulties following the death of Emily - a 21-year-old law graduate who drowned while riverboarding in New Zealand two years ago.

Her dad Chris Jordan, of Trimpley, near Bewdley, said: “It went really well. We had a good crowd and lots of people came to offer their support. We all got soaked but everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. I always say fund-raising should be fun.”

The Civil War was revisited in Worcester when the Commandery in Sidbury marked the 359th anniversary of the Battle of Worcester. Historical re-enactors relived some of the preparations of the battle over the weekend and the public were invited to join in.

Civil War soldiers also performed musket drills and firing displays as they readied themselves for battle, in their authentic 17th century military camp.

Displays of another kind took place on Saturday when the Midlands Air Ambulance held an open day for supporters at its Strensham base.

Throughout the day paramedics, pilots and flight doctors took the time to answer questions and give talks on working for the air ambulance. On show were helicopters old and new and a selection of historic vehicles including a 1950s ambulance.

Fund-raising was also the theme at Top Barn Farm, where a half-marathon was organised to raise money for St Richard’s Hospice.

Fund-raising manager Tricia Cavell said: “It went really well considering the weather. We had 221 people run the course this year, an increase on last year. It was another great fund-raiser.”