THIS year's Bewdley Carnival celebrations were hit by World Cup fever as supporters who had promised to staff stalls and organise floats stayed away to cheer England on against Denmark on Saturday. Bradley Shuck, who entered the fancy dress contest as a sheriff.

Attendance was also down, and so was money raised by the festivities. Last year £1,600 was given away to charitable causes compared with £2,200 raised this year before costs are deducted. Kemp Hospice shop staff Simone Metti, Joan Russell and Esther Conran, in 101 Dalmatians mood.

But carnival secretary Angela Pitt said: "It went very well, considering the football. People did come out of the pubs to watch us go by, which was nice. Annalisa Hunt, Rebecca Grove, Charlotte Whorton and Sarah Bedworth from the Stourport Royal British Legion float.

"We were a bit disappointed some of the floats did not turn up because of the football and a lot of people did not turn up to do the stalls but in all, it was a very good day."

The winner of the pub and club float was Bewdley Bowling Club with a Spanish fiesta theme; best youth float went to Bewdley Girl Guides with their Chinese dragon, while Chris Lees won the vintage section. Theresa Lyes of Far Forest Brownies with the group's prize-winning dragon's head.

This year's carnival saw more entries for the best-dressed shop window competition. The prize for the best general shop window was won by Victim Support, while the fresh foods section was won by Maggie's Florist. Wribbenhall Social Club members chose "Hook" as the theme for their fancy dress entry.

The fireworks display on the Friday was described as "excellent" with many people enjoying fine views from the bridge which was closed by police. The falconry displays and Manic Mutts dog displays came up to expectations. bell-bedecked Ian James, four, a prize-winner in the fancy dress competition.

And John Day, who runs a landscape gardening business, was singled out for special praise by Bewdley town councillors Paul and Carol Gittins. Jordan Walsh, eight, and Laura Corfield, seven, take differing approaches to the fancy dress competition.

Mr Day, who provided a replacement for the town's damaged Christmas tree at short notice last year, stepped in at the last minute to collect and put up portable poles for carnival bunting after a mix-up over their delivery.

Organisers are now looking to next year's event and anyone wanting to get involved can go along to the Cock and Magpie on the second Wednesday of the month, starting at 7.30pm.

Further details are available from Angela Pitt on 01299 402723.