THOUSANDS descended on Gheluvelt Park this weekend for the Worcester Show, despite the weary weather.

The annual event sees hundreds of activities including cooking, vegetable growing, floral decorations and photography come together in one setting.

A portion of the money raised from parking will be donated to the Worcester Samaritans this year to help the charity provide confidential emotional support.

Sandi Cooper, who volunteers for the organisation, said: “We are here today to promote what we do, as the chosen charity. We listen to people – though we don’t just deal with suicide but any problems you might be having.”

She said the Worcester branch of the charity must raise £40,000 every year to ensure it can survive.

Mrs Cooper, from Kidderminster, said there was a surge in calls to Samaritans following news Friday’s plane crash in America.

Airline worker Richard Russell, 29, stole a passenger plane from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and was killed when he crashed 25 miles away.

Mrs Cooper said calls to Samaritans always go “ballistic” after major tragedies like the Manchester Arena bombing and Grenfell Tower fire.

Meanwhile, Alex Wimberley, of Riverford Organic Farmers, was delighted with the rain after the long dry summer caused havoc for those in his industry.

Manning a stall of organic vegetables, the 29-year-old said while the hot summer meant a lot common British vegetables struggled, others like cucumbers and tomatoes thrived in the heat.

“With the summers continuing to get hotter, farmers will have to start to grow different things.

“It won’t be a problem, but lots of farmers are praising the rain at the moment,” he added.

Kirsty Snape, of Universal Display, said: “Considering the weather, there’s been a great turn out this year. It’s really interesting seeing everything that’s on offer.”

For more on the show, go to worcestershow.org.uk.

You can contact Samaritans for free any time, on 116 123.