THOUSANDS visited Madresfield Court for its annual daffodil show, raising an estimated £5,000 for the local school and churches.

More than 2,000 people attended Daffodil Sunday, on March 19, with proceeds going to the Friends of Madresfield School and Madresfield and Guarlford parish churches.

Visitors enjoyed tea and cakes at the show and strolled through the blossoming grounds, in Madresfield, near Malvern.

David Bright, aged 62, of Gregory's Mill Street, Worcester, said: "It was beautiful, the gardens are amazing. It was well worth the £5 entrance fee.

"There was so much to see in such a short time although the weather was not too good.

"But the bright colours of the daffodils and pretty pink from the blossom made up for the grey and overcast day."

David Kuun, treasurer of the Guarlford and Madresfield with Newland Parochial Church Council, said that he was delighted with the outcome.

He said that the profits from the event were probably higher than last year and emphasised the importance of the money to the upkeep of the parish churches.

Peter Hughes, agent for Madresfield Court, said: "It was well attended, despite the cool and cloudy weather. The daffodils were at their very best."

Daffodil Sunday has a history stretching back 40 years, with visitor numbers this year being slightly higher than normal. 

The 65 acre site was open to the public from 2pm to 5pm and admission for children under 11-years-old was free.

The moated manor house, which has its origins in Norman times, is owned by Jonathan Chenevix-Trench and his family.