THE quality of food and ale in Alcester was put to the test recently as a fish and flesh tasting session, ale tasting ceremony and bread weighing ceremony took place in the town.

The ale tasting event took place at The Holly Bush on Thursday.

On Saturday, Bromwich's Butcher's Shop and Costcutters, in High Street, were the venues but decent weather meant members of the Court Leet and the public were able to take to the streets for the historic proceedings.

In the afternoon, the annual Heart of England Town Criers' Competition was held.

Twenty-three people took part in the prestigious event, which draws competitors from all over the country.

On Sunday, members of the Court Leet visited Alcester Hospital and Meadow View to give Easter presents to patients and residents.

High Bailiff Bill Malin said: "They were all wonderful events and the weather seemed to be on our side.

"We had 23 competitors in the town criers' competition which was won by Trevor Heeks, from Trowbridge."