A PROCESSION to celebrate Malvern's water heritage is being held on Sunday, May 1.

The event has been organised by Rev Val Needham who wants as many people as possible to take part.

The processions will include a King and Queen of the May and a Jack O’ the Green, plus two rescue donkeys from a Herefordshire sanctuary.

The procession starts at the Abbey Gateway at 11am, and visits the site of Dr Wilson's fountain in Abbey Road, the Chalybeate spring in Priory Park, Lyttelton Well, the Malvhina Spout on Belle Vue Terrace and the donkey spout in Happy Valley, before going to St Ann's Well.

There, participants will enjoy a water cure lunch, a recital by the Colla Voce choir and a Blessing of the Waters Service.

The procession will finish by visiting the Hay Well at the Baptist Church in Abbey Road, where tea and cakes will be available.

Rev Needham said: "I would like to invite local families and children to participate in this evocation of the old MayDay customs by either dressing in white or green with ribbons or flowers in their hair or by coming as chimney sweeps.

"As well as blessing our local waters, our intention is to honour the memory of the donkeys who carried the Victorian water cure tourists. We will be collecting for the Safe Haven for Donkeys’ Sanctuary and Malvern Spa Association.

"I have invited local Druid bard Lionel Shorstone and Bishop Rick Banbury of the Madonna Ministry to join me in leading the day’s events. I wish to encourage as many people as possible to be with us so that we make this a truly joyous and all inclusive community event."