RESIDENTS of Colwall got together at the weekend for their annual midsummer party, the Ale House festival.

The event is based around the Ale House, the ancient building in the grounds of the church that that was restored in the 1980s and has since become a focus for community events.

As the church bells pealed at 11am on Saturday, a cavalcade of classic cars arrived, and the festival began.

With food and drink, charity stalls, games and music there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Sue Armstrong, one of the organisers, said: "A highlight was the wonderful Paws for Thought dog display team, made up mainly of rescue dogs that had experienced such a sad start to their lives, but are now confident and clever companion dogs who enjoyed their show as much as we did, even the breathtaking jumping through hoops of fire."

In the evening, Colwall Community Choir and Colwall Clarinet Ensemble joined forces in the village hall for a summer serenade.

And on Sunday there was further singing, combined with walking, in The Malvern Hills are Alive, led by innovative choral coach Doug Watts.

Later that day, Colwall Players offered a fun-filled afternoon with The Great British Bump Off, a murder mystery held in the festival marquee.

Other events taking place during the festival week included and barbecue hosted by the Colwall Park Hotel, a beer, cycle and curry evening, and a talk by antiques expert Ben Cooper.