APOLLO, Medusa and Pegasus were among the weird and wonderful creatures taking part in Malvern's May Day celebrations.

Hundreds of people watched the procession of characters from myth and legend before enjoying a host of activities in Priory Park.

The event was organised by the Malvern May Day (MMD) group and Malvern Fringe.

MMD attracted funding from the National Lottery, Worcestershire County Council and the Elmley Foundation, enabling artists to work with primary schools, youth groups and charities to create banners and outfits for the parade.

One of the artists, Wendy Ruddick, worked with children at Malvern Link Primary and made a series of Pied Piper banners.

Year 6 teacher Judith Pike said there was a wonderful carnival atmosphere to the whole event.

"The children absolutely loved doing it and I thought it was terrific," she explained.

Malvern Link pupil Clare Taylor, aged 11, was took part in the procession and said she loved all the different costumes.

"I'd like to do something like that again," she said.

Her classmate, 10-year-old Peter Boardman, who held the Pied Piper banner, said: "I think the drummers were the best thing about the whole day."

Georgia Thomas, aged 10, and David Keaveney, 11, also enjoyed themselves. David said: "It was really interesting. I liked the parade best, seeing all the different things the schools had made."

Di Weissberg, treasurer and art co-ordinator for MMD, said the town centre and park were packed with people.

"The weather was touch and go initially but it wasn't wet enough to deter anybody," she said. "There must have been thousands of people there and it was really busy, right from the word go. People were saying it was by far the best procession they'd ever seen."

Mayor David Williams described the event as "absolutely fantastic".

"The costumes were magnificent and I'd like to say a big thank-you to everyone who took part," he said.