THIS year's well-dressing event in Malvern gained a record 41 entries and enjoyed fine weather.

Coming on the weekend of the royal wedding, this year's event had a theme of togetherness, and many of the dressers, such as West Malvern Garden Club, used the opportunity to express their good wishes towards the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Among the springs, wells and spouts which were decorated by eager and creative hands was the Dripping Well, on the eastern slopes of the Worcestershire Beacon, which was decorated by local druids.

The work drew the attention of Gazette reader David Cunliffe, who said: "I would like to congratulate the people who dressed the Dripping Well. I have been told that, at about 315 metres above sea level, it is the highest spring on the hills and it is far above any road access. The effect was one of informal unsophisticated beauty, perfectly suited to the wild surroundings."

Lionel Shorstone of Malvern Spa Association, which organises the well-dressing, said: "The fact that there were no less than eight gold awards shows how high the standard was this year."

Over the weekend, the association laid on minibus excursions to allow people to see the dressed wells without using their own cars, and the trips proved popular.

And on Sunday, May 1, a procession of pilgrims and donkeys, led by Rev Val Needham, went up to St Ann’s Well for a blessing ceremony, music by local singers Colla Voce and a water-cure breakfast provided by John Redman.