A WEEKEND celebrating Malvern's spa heritage culminated in water-themed fun in Priory Park.

Despite overcast skies and a forecast of heavy downpours, many hundreds of people of all ages crowded into the park on Bank Holiday Monday where themed events were going on, as well as entrants of the well dressing competition finding out if they had won gold, silver or bronze awards.

Youngsters braved the chilly weather to have a go on a giant water slide as well as walking on water in an inflatable bubble in a large paddling pool and a stocks where you could pelt a brave volunteer 'miscreant' with wet sponges.

Freedom Leisure, which runs Malvern Splash, offered a range of activities which were busy with takers.

One large part of the day was taken by the announcement of the winners of the well decorating competition which had been organised by the Malvern Spa Association.

The association, which has been going for around 25 years, celebrates the importance of the town's 200-plus natural springs and raises money for their upkeep.

Forty six of the wells had been decorated with gold awards in the adult section going to Evendine Spring, Malvhina, Holy Well, Rose Gully, Hayslad, Happy Valley Donkey Spout and Weaver's Trough. The children's competition gold winning wells were: Tyrol House Fountain, Temperance Drinking Fountain, Jubilee Fountain, Lord Sandy's Spout, St James' Churchyard Spout and Lower Wyche Spout.

Chairman of the association Dr John Harcup presented his cup for the chairman's choice to Susie and Ian Woodcock, who had travelled to the Pyrenees for inspiration before decorating Weaver's Trough.

"That is real dedication," said Dr Harcup.

The highlight of the day was a demonstration of a Victorian water curing process where a 'patient' sits in a sitz bath and is doused in cold spring water.