Hundreds of comic book fans and cosplayers descended on the city arena for an event hailed as one of the "best of the year".

Cosplayers dressed as everyone from Deadpool and the Joker to Spiderman and Beetlejuice at University of Worcester Arena which was filled with people of all ages.

Ben Armstrong, who offered fans Deadpool photo opportunities as part of event organisers Bolt Events, said: "We go to Comic Cons all over the country but this one is really one of the very best ones.

"You can see how busy it is and people here put so much effort into their costumes - there are a lot of cosplayers here."

Verity Smith, from Kidderminster, said: "There weren't as many here for last year's event, and it seems to get bigger and bigger each year.

"It's good to see it flourishing."

Her friend Clarissa Naisbett, who lives in Worcester, added: "I love it.

"It's nice to have a comic con that's so close - and great to see so many people dressing up for it."

For those attending, Worcester Comic Con offered merchandise opportunities, workshops, retro and board gaming, photo opportunities, cosplay competitions, and more.

Matt Coles, who came dressed as The Joker with his daughter Evie, said: "I've always wanted one of these (the outfit), and I didn't dress up last time so I made sure I did this time.

"The Jedi Fight Academy is one of the best bits - the kids have loved it."

Worcester resident Anna Watmore, whose family has come to the event four years running, said: "It's fantastic.

"So many artists have come here today with their incredible work and there's so much to see.

"I'll be filling my bag."

Among the varied stalls were creatives that had come to showcase their own work, such as author Jamie Glenn who published his fantasy-adventure novel The Legends of Nor'ai: Whence It Came in November last year.

Mr Glenn said: "I've been to Comic Cons before but this is my first time here.

"It has been a brilliant morning so far - people have been really friendly."