ORGANISERS of the annual well-dressing festival in the Malvern Hills area have chosen achievement as this year’s theme.

The theme was chosen at a meeting organised by the Malvern Spa Association, which is behind the event.

Lionel Shorstone, of the association, said: “Some will be anticipating the Olympic Games, others will celebrate the Diamond Jubilee with the Queen.

“The building of the magnificent ship the Titanic and the setting out of Scott’s expedition to find the South Pole may also be commemorated, along with the works of Dickens.”

He said that the four-day event, held on the May Day bank holiday weekend, is believed to be the biggest of its kind in Britain.

He said: “Besides the decorating of some 40 water heritage sites, there will be an interfaith donkey pilgrimage to St Ann’s Well for a water-cure breakfast, a druid water-blessing ceremony at Hayslad and minibus tours for those who can’t manage to walk 17 miles to see all the sights.”