OUR May Day charity donkey procession on Sunday, May 3, raised the most donations in the history of this annual event, a total of £462.54.

I write to thank not only all those people who came to join us with their families and pets, and John Redman at St Ann's Well cafe for the beautiful setting, but also all those members of our local community who help behind the scenes to make this such a special occasion.

The support I receive means that we now have hundreds of people attending a joyous celebration of spring and the abundant waters here as well as recalling the tremendous part the Victorian donkeys played in Malvern's growth during the water cure period.

I also want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of my procession team.

Although fewer in numbers this year, everyone, especially the children, Thomas Coombes, Thea and Mia Zolman, Tabitha Warburton and Charlie Dolan, added enormous creative input even on the day itself.

I could not have asked for greater generosity of spirit, which I believe created the wonderful joyful atmosphere which infused the whole day.

Thank you all for sharing in what was a momentous and delightful May Day celebration.

Val Needham

Malvern