HUNDREDS of visitors turned out to enjoy a day of festive fun in Malvern.

Traders in Barnards Green threw their annual Christmas Extravaganza, complete with music, stalls entertainment and a chance to meet Father Christmas in his grotto on Saturday.

They hold the event every year as a thank you to shoppers for their loyal support.

Attractions included face-painting, a fancy dress character walkabout, a visit from a town crier and music from Great Malvern Primary and the Chase Choirs.

A ‘Pets in Pictures’ competition, where visitors were encouraged to dress their dogs up in Christmas outfits and have their picture taken by a professional photographer was a big success and puppet shows put on by professional company Moon Carrot were a big hit with younger visitors.

Helen Portman, chairman of Barnards Green Traders’ Association, said she was delighted by the “wonderful turnout” who supported the event.

“Our thanks to everyone who attended and made it such a happy community occasion,” she said.

The event raised money for the local charities Malvern Special Families and Community Action Malvern Hills.

Fund-raising is continuing in shops until Christmas and the total raised is expected to be known by the end of the year.