A special Christmas shopping day in Barnards Green has been hailed as a great success by traders.

Hundreds of people attended the three-hour event on Saturday with various entertainers performing and Father Christmas handing out sweets and fruit to children.

"We were very pleased with it," said Andrew Brooks, joint co-ordinator of Barnards Green Traders. "We had a nice day and the place was really humming."

Children were entertained by Mr Doo the clown, who walked around the green on stilts handing out balloons.

They were able to take a ride in a fire engine for £1, proceeds going to charity.

Other entertainment included performances from Malvern Junior Choir, the Malvern Festival Chorus, an all-male voice choir and bell-ringers.

"Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves," said Chris Hunt, fellow co-ordinator of the traders. "It was certainly worth doing it."

Children also took part in a competition to spot unusual items lurking in various traders' windows with, for example, a tin of paint in a florist's window.

The event was chosen instead of late-night shopping and was designed by traders to give something back to customers. It was attended by the mayor of Malvern, Coun Whinray Coates, and deputy, Coun Frances Victory. Around £300 was raised for Malvern Community Hospital