ABOUT a thousand walking enthusiasts from around the Midlands were welcomed by Fladbury villagers as the annual Fladbury walkabout took place last weekend.

The annual event, which first began in the 1970s has been growing in success with an ever-increasing programme of events, each year.

Fladbury residents opened up 28 gardens for visitors to see last Saturday(8) and last Sunday(9)on the walkabout while discovering the hidden treasures in the village.

Organisers also arranged boat trips on the River Avon while stall holders provided people with refreshments and morris dancers and a jazz band provided musical entertainment.

The two day event that started at noon until 6pm attracted walkers from Birmingham, Cheltenham, Gloucester and Worcester who all enjoyed walking around the village.

Fladbury walkabout committed member Steve Curtis said: "It was a successful event which was well attended by a lot of people. We had a lot of nice comments made about the flower festival we hold annually at the St John the Baptist church in Fladbury."

The flower festival with flowers arranged at the Fladbury church was based on theme of This is Britain.

All proceeds raised from Fladbury Walkabout will go towards raising valuable funds to maintain the fabric of the historical village church and supporting local charities.