POLICE say the Big Chill Festival, held in the grounds of Eastnor Castle, near Ledbury, went off without any major problems.

Some 40,000 festival-goers poured into the area to attend the event over four days, starting last Thursday.

West Mercia Police supplied both a covert and open presence to ensure that there was no disorder and that everyone who attended were safe.

During the festival, police made 28 arrests - 14 for possession of drugs with intent to supply, eight for possession, one for possession and deception, two for assault, one for theft and one for robbery. One person was detained under the provisions of the Mental Health Act.

As at 5pm on Monday, August 10, police had recorded 97 thefts, mainly from tents, one robbery, 24 drug offences and seven miscellaneous offences.

Acting Superintendent Sue Thomas, who oversaw the entire police operation, said: "We are delighted with the policing outcome of this year's event. This was a major undertaking for the police in Herefordshire, which required meticulous planning beforehand and very close liaison with the organising management team and security staff on site for the event."

"It was clear that everyone really enjoyed the event and had a great time in the Herefordshire outdoors. I would congratulate our staff who worked round the clock at the event, many of whom had their days off cancelled to help police the festival."