MORE than 500 people visited Headless Cross Green last week for the May Fair.

With attractions like maypole dancing, a scarecrow competition, heavy horses, craft stalls and plant swap,the event was a real hive of activity.

Families helped plant an area of 'golden pollinator' wildflowers as part of Redditch's celebration of 50 years of Britain In Bloom. The plants are all beneficial to bees and have yellow or golden flowers. Headless Cross Green will be part of Redditch's In Bloom bid this August.

On hand to answer questions about bees were local beekeeper Chris Stroud and Redditch Friends of the Earth's giant, fluffy Benny the Bee.

St Stephens First School was awarded a trophy for first prize in the scarecrow competition for its Demolition Dan creation. The winners of the adult competition with their Wurzel scarecrow were John and Muriel Richards. Judging the competition were mayor Wanda King and orchard artist Steve Pound.

Dancing around the maypole were 2nd Headless Cross Brownies, accompanied by Arrow Valley Brass Band and its scarecrow.

Attractions included heavy horses from Woodfield Shires, the Amazing Human Fruit Machine, a cider bar, face painting and drumming from Transition Town Redditch.

Stalls included handmade Fairtrade soaps, local honey, chutneys, homemade cakes and hand-crafted walking sticks.

Orchard volunteer Alistair Waugh said: "Our events are always a wonderful day with a real community feel. Families bring picnics, children play, old friends chat. A lot of people clearly value Headless Cross Green and the orchard there.

"Huge thanks must go to all our volunteers who make this happen. Anyone who wants to help out in the future, or find out about work days and events, can contact us through our website headlessxorchard.org.uk.

"See you at Apple Day on Saturday, October 4."