Bromyard'S annual folk festival saw thousands of music fans rocking the town last weekend.

Folk aficionados travelled from across the country to watch gigs, start impromptu jamming sessions and soak up the thrilling atmosphere of the three-day event.

Organiser Annie Jones said: "Everything seemed to go according to plan. The crowds were very happy with it - we had a lot of very good comments back, like it being the best one ever."

Mrs Jones, who has been involved with all 36 festivals, praised the contribution of the younger generation.

"There were a lot of young performers who were very, very talented," she said. "It's great to see the young talent come and push the oldies aside!

"It's one of the functions of the festival to encourage them along, otherwise folk would die off. Instead, they do the traditional songs in their own way."

Outside the main arena, where performers like Tanglefoot, Vin Garbutt and Bill Caddick went down well with fans, other attractions entertained the crowds.

Morris troupes from all over Britain showed off their traditional dances, while craft people sold their goods and produce at a marquee on Bromyard's public green.

The event, one of the most important sources of revenue for Bromyard, is still proving popular with locals, according to Mrs Jones.

"Bromyard always gets into the spirit. I think the locals just love having us there," she said.

As for next year's festival, which Mrs Jones had previously threatened to pull out of the town because of difficulties with Herefordshire Council. Now the future looks positive.

"If we overcome the paperwork with them we should be all right," said Mrs Jones.