A 15ft willow dragon is one of the highlights of this year's well dressing competition organised by Malvern Spa Association.

The dragon forms the centrepiece of the decorations at Evendine Spring, in Colwall.

It is one 17 springs, troughs and spouts being decorated for the competition, which will be judged this evening (Friday). The overall winner will be presented with a silver cup at 3.30pm tomorrow (Saturday), at Priory Park, as part of the May Day festival.

Organiser Rose Garrard said: "We do it as a thanks for the lovely water we've got.

"The theme this year is Fire and Earth and we look forward to seeing some very interesting dressings. Traditionally it's always flower decorations but we don't have any limitations on what can be used."

Two-time winner Karen Berzack, who has created the dragon at Evendine Spring, said: "I started last week and I've been working on it every day since. The well dressing is a real celebration, a wonderful way of giving something back to the well."

Adrian Ward, of Robson Ward Kitchens, will decorate the Old Bottling Works spring, on Belle Vue Terrace, outside his premises.

He said: "I guess that the water is the key to why Malvern is here today and it's good that the spa association highlights that."

A 10p map showing the location of the springs is available from the Tourist Information Centre.

A competition comparing local spring water with tap water takes place at Priory Park tomorow, from 11am to 4pm. The May Day celebrations themselves run from 11am to 5.30pm and include live music, displays and craft stalls.

A parade led by Malvern Samba sets off from the park at noon, featuring masks made by local schoolchildren on the theme of Fire and Earth.