A CLOUDLESS blue sky and brilliant sunshine greeted the hundreds of people making the trip down to Poolbrook for the Jubilee Party on Saturday.

Stalls containing everything from books, plants, crafts and a tombola to cakes and rope-making were laid out across the common outside the Foley Institute in the style of a traditional village fete. Outside the Three Horseshoes pub was a St John's Ambulance vehicle and crew, an old Army jeep and a fire engine.

Plenty was laid on for the younger members of the community, from face paints, a bouncy castle and side-shows to Giant Jenga, giant snakes and ladders and toddlers' toys in the grounds of the Foley Institute.

Malvern Scottish Dancing Club, which meets at Pool-brook School, and Academy Dance also gave demonstrations and the Chase High School Brass Band gave the afternoon a suitably British sound.

A children's disco was also set up outside the Three Horse-shoes after the members of the Go-Shin-Kai club, which is based at the Foley Institute, had finished demonstrating throws, holds and falls.

Dick Strawbridge, of Channel 4's Scrapheap Challenge, was guest of honour, officially opening the event at 1pm. Afterwards he said he was particularly impressed by the community spirit it had brought out:

"It's a brilliant event," he said, "Absolutely first-class. You can see all the Poolbrook people coming together."

Liz Spires, of Barnards Green, agreed. "It's a good way to spend a summer's day," she said. "We're enjoying it very much."

Event manager Angela Noble said she was glad to see it going "brilliantly" and grateful for the glorious weather she had been praying for. The event was the culmination of nearly a year's hard work and planning, with grants obtained from Malvern Town Council, donations from St Andrew's and Parkside churches and sponsorship from a wide range of organisations. Fellow organiser Christina Brealey said the event was going so well it might even be repeated next year, even though there would be no Jubilee to celebrate!