A ROCKING day of fundraising was rounded off with a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday" for the organiser of Midsummer Mappfest.

It was a day of rock and roll in the blazing sun as people of all ages enjoyed the sounds of 16 of the county's finest bands on the common at Link Top.

Around 2,500 dropped into the free one day festival throughout the day which managed to raise over £3,000 for Acorns Children's Hospice.

Lying on the grass enjoying the sun, music lovers enjoyed the sounds of Ronin, Black Russian and Dogs of Santorini.

Helen Newson, landlady of Beauchamp Arms, Malvern, won the main raffle prize of a 40 inch television donated by Central Roofline Systems.

Organiser Andy Mapp said: "It was absolutely fantastic.

"Everything went to plan, we had a fantastic turn out with a great mixture of bands and people of all ages.

"So many generations of people came out and people were coming up to me to say what a lovely time they'd had."

The event marked Mr Mapp's 59th birthday and he was moved when festival-goers sang "Happy Birthday" to him.

"If you can imagine a whole festival singing to you - it was really moving.

"It was just like a dream and brought me to tears.

"Everyone from the oldest to the youngest person had great big smiles on their faces.

"I'd like to thank Malvern Hills Conservators who have been really supportive and absolutely everyone who came or helped out during the day."