SCORES of swans graced the River Severn's banks this week after storms which hit the region caused water levels to rise.

Large numbers of the birds stopped traffic by walking regally across New Bridge. They even attracted a minibus of Chinese students who stopped to pose for photographs with them as they grazed on the verge beside Hylton Road.

More than 26,500 customers in Worcestershire and Herefordshire were left without power after the strong winds and severe weather over the weekend, which caused power lines to be brought down. Their power was restored by midnight on Sunday night.