CROWDS of eager shoppers descended on Ludlow Castle at the weekend keen to make progress with their Christmas present lists in the most atmospheric of surroundings.

Traders from further afield joined those from the local area to offer their wares to an influx of visitors at the packed Ludlow Medieval Fayre.

More than 100 traders joined in the spirit of the occasion by dressing up in medieval costumes, and there were plenty of other attractions in the grounds of the castle for celebrations that extended over the whole weekend.

In Tenbury darkness was replaced by Christmas lights with the big switch on after many months of fund raising by the town’s Chamber of Trade.

The event also marked the start of an extended Mistletoe Festival with events that will continue all of the way up to Christmas.

Included in this will be the annual mistletoe sales that bring buyers into the town from all over the country and abroad.

There is also an extensive programme of arts events and entertainments that culminate in the first professional pantomime at The Regal – a performance of ‘Dick Whittington.’