LEDBURY'S Halloween Fest attracted hundreds of visitors to New Street last Saturday, for a celebration that was both ghoulish and good natured.

Organisers estimated that up to 1000 people came to the event, between 1pm to 5pm, making it one of the most successful inaugural events in Ledbury, in recent years.

The weather was not at all fiendish as fun-seekers, many in suitable Halloween costumes, browsed the stalls and attractions.

Even town councillors got in on the act, with deputy mayor, Cllr Keith Francis, providing his presence as a figure from folklore, the leafy Green Man.

Another town councillor in attendance was Cllr Tony Bradford, chairman of the town's environmental and leisure committee, who expressed concern that road closure signs placed at the bottom of New Street appeared to have been inexplicably removed, just prior to the festival beginning.

Some residents, including in Woodleigh Road, reported unusual levels of traffic in neighbouring streets, because motorists were unable to access the Top Cross junction, because of the street closure.

Other residents reported seeing heavy lorries having to reverse back all the way down New Street.

But by 3pm, these reported problems were not evident.

On Monday afternoon, a Herefordshire Council spokesman said it had received "no reports at all" of traffic problems on the day

The large numbers of people who attended were treated to a wide-ranging spectacle, from a belly-dancing witch to a fire breather.

There was even a traditional fiddler in the coach arch of The Talbot Hotel, and ladies dressed as witches, including the festival's main organiser, Helen Moody of the shop Enchant and Allure, danced to his music in the street.

Especially popular was the Herefordshire Wildlife Rescue's stand where collections were made for the charity and where young and old alike could meet and greet rescued wild creatures, including owls and rabbits.

But one disappointment was that the absence of a pumpkin-lit procession.

This was to have been led by the Green Man, otherwise known as Cllr Keith Francis, but not enough youngsters turned up with carved pumpkins on the day.