THE crisp, bright weather brought out the crowds to Worcester's Victorian Fayre at the weekend.

An estimated 100,000 people from all over the country visited the city's annual Christmas celebration.

The freezing temperatures did nothing to keep people away. In fact, it increased the business done by hot food and drink traders, with one mulled wine-seller handing over a glass almost every 30 seconds on Saturday.

Despite the very English Victorian theme, it was the people from Worcester's twin town Le Vesinet who won the best stallholder award. Their combination of crepes, wine and cheeses from France went down a storm. Worcester Twinning Association's stall of scarves and winter clothes accessories won the runners-up prize, and the people from Fabricraft won best Victorian costume.

Peter Rogers, who was selling mulled wine outside Ceci Paulo Italian food shop, was doing a roaring trade.

The roast chestnuts were going well too, said Charles Hobbs, who was selling them to raise money for the Worcester Round Table.

"It's amazing that people will pay £1.50 for conkers but they've been selling fast."

Warming themselves with glasses of steaming mulled wine, Chris and Beryl Southall from Droitwich, said they loved the atmosphere of the fayre.

"It's got a lovely feel to it," said Mr Edmunds.

"The stalls are good, the music's good and everybody's having fun and has a smile on their face."

While the adults bought their Christmas presents, there were plenty of fairground rides to keep the children happy too.

Karen Taylor, of Bevere, Worcester, had brought her two, Matthew, aged six, and Thomas, two.

"It's great to hear so many accents from around the country," she said. "It really puts Worcester on the map."