BROMSGROVE was bustling on Saturday when families flocked to the annual midsummer fair day and Elizabethan street market.

The town's High Street was packed with residents keen to see the traditional Court Leet and Court Baron procession and wander among the 45 stalls manned by volunteers in medieval costume.

Stands, which were collecting money for various charities, included home-made cakes, toys, paintings, jewellery and plants.

Court Leet market master Chris Firminger, of Rock Hill, maintained fees at their 2001 level but had jokingly threatened to impose a small surcharge on stallholders who were wearing modern dress.

He said: "It was so nice to see lots of stallholders turn out and make the effort to dress up.

"The crowds were brilliant, the weather was very kind and I'm pleased with the positive feedback I have received."

Cash raised on the day and proceeds will be donated to Bromsgrove Hospital Carnival committee, which will eventually hand over a bumper donation to the Princess of Wales Community Hospital, in Stourbridge Road.

The winner of the best stall was once again Christ Church, in Stourbridge Road, Catshill, followed closely by Bromsgrove Lions and the Brook Haven Unit, which scooped third place.

Rubery Youth Marching Band led the procession through the town starting at Jarvis Perry Ramada Jarvis Hotel, in Kidderminster Road.

The group, including the Court Leet and Court, district councillors and Bromsgrove MP Julie Kirkbride, then marched along Hanover Street, Worcester Road, High Street to Strand House and came back to Chapel Street for the ancient assize of bread, leather and ale.

The tradition of proclaiming the 1199 Royal Charter was witnessed by the crowds and members made a brief stop at the Red Lion for the Court's ale taster to sample the brew on offer.