DOWNPOURS did not dampen spirits at Cradley Produce Show and Country Fair, with dozens of visitors enjoying a host of attractions.

A Lion dance, ferret racing and mummers plays, performed by the Village Players, were part of the fun at Church Stile Farm on Saturday.

Committee chairman Chris Lowden said: "It went very well, allowing for the ghastliness of the weather."

Mr Lowden said the lion dance, performed by the Ho family from Gloucester, was a highlight.

"They looked astonishing," he said. "They were a wonderful thing to have in the heart of the countryside."

Two teams braved the Cradley triathlon, which comprised throwing tyres, eating sausages and drinking beer. There was also a fancy dress relay and a display by young magician Stuart Beven.

In the produce show, the Richard Mitchell Cup for best poem went to Jamie Forsyth and the Cradley Village Hall cup for the best individual to Dr Sarah Herriot, with Sarah Ashton runner-up.

The Peter Morgan Memorial cup, for the family gaining most points, went to local doctors Bruce and Sarah Herriot.

The Village Art Challenge, where local artists were given the day to paint a picture of the village, was won by John Tizzer. Runner-up was Liz Tizzer, with Hazel Sherlock and Avril Spickernell equal third.

On Sunday, Church Stile Farm hosted a Grand Musical Allsorts, where six bands played swing, jazz and rock music.

The line-up included Velvet, the Rod Kelly trio and Worcestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra, with ballroom and Latin demonstration by dancers Kymberly Lane and Russell Dudley.

It is not yet known how much the weekend's events raised. However, proceeds will go towards community projects and installing a hearing loop at Cradley Village Hall.