MALVERN'S annual Mayday procession through the town was blessed with sunshine and scores of spectators as donkeys Peter, Alfie, Daisy and Rosie stole the limelight.

The charity procession through the town, taking in the natural spring spas was begun by Rev Val Needham and raises money for the Safe Haven of Donkeys in the Holy Land which runs sanctuaries for the donkeys in Israel and Palestine. The day will also raise money for the Malvern Spa Association as donkeys played a key role in Malvern's Victorian spa town history, carrying the disabled up to take the waters at a number of healing spas on the hillsides.

The procession which has been growing in popularity began with a blessing of the donkeys, from several local sanctuaries, outside the Abbey Hotel at 11am.

This year's procession leader was six-year-old Charlie Dolan who rode Peter, a 15-year-old rescued riding and driving donkey.

A series of helpers collecting for the Safe Haven for Donkeys dressed as goddesses and fairies made up the procession.

Pets taken along by their owners were also welcomed and blessed by Ms Needham.

From there the procession headed for the Promenade Gardens where interfaith ministers Reverends David Wetton and Lorraine Murran joined Ms Needham in a joint blessing of the congregation. From there the procession moved to Malvhina Belle Vue Island, The Courtyard, Happy Valley Spout, Donkey Spout and St Ann's Well.

At Malvhina well, spring water was shared out among the congregation

Malvern modern folk-style band Hennesea played for the first time on the Malvern Hills after being invited along by Ms Needham to the delight of those who took part in the walk.

Later in the day there was a blessing of the waters ceremony and ballet performed by local children at St Anne's Well pool and a candle lighting ceremony for everyone present to remember loved ones and to receive individual blessings.

For the first time this year a free minibus service for those less active had been organised.

"I am thrilled to see so many people here and thank everyone for all the effort they have put in to make the celebration a success.

"I have had the most wonderful team this year and I am so very grateful to their work and commitment. Even little Thea Zolman has been practising privately on her violin, without anyone knowing, so she can play songs and music for us and that makes the occasion so very special," said Mc Needham.