Watch: Summer on way to Shropshire as Green Man triumphs

Jack Limond, the chairman of the Green Man Festival organising committee, said this year's event, which began on Friday night, had been a huge success.

"We had fantastic weather and about 3,000 people witnessed the battle on the Bridge," he said.

"It was great to see that we had more children involved in the festival this year than in previous years. Some of the children came as Saplings or Frostettes, showing their support for either the Green Man or the Frost Queen.

"And I am very pleased to say that The Green Man won the battle on the Bridge, so we will have a summer in Clun this year."

The entertainment for the crowds included Sylvesta the Jester, Morris dancing from the Shropshire Bedlams and an equestrian display by Les Amis D'onno, from Roxborough.

A May Fair was held at the Morville Hall, in Bridgnorth, with dances being performed by children from Morville and Much Wenlock primary schools. A children's fancy dress competition on the theme of 'going wild' also took place and was judged by Andrew and Polly Peters, authors of the children's book The No No Bird.

Celebrations also took place at Dudmaston Hall, in Quatt near Bridgnorth, where the Shrewsbury Morris Dancers tied a ribbon to the National Trust's May Tree and made a wish.

And at Church Aston, Newport, around a thousand people took part in the May Fair, which included Maypole dancing and the crowning of Charlotte Smith as May Queen. Bill Titley, who organises the event along with Ann Whitfield, on behalf of St Andrew's Church, said the day was enjoyed by all who attended.

"It's hard to say how many people came because we don't charge an admission and people come and go as they please, but I'd say there must have been around 1,000 people.

"The weather was lovely and that always helps attract the crowds, and we haven't got a final figure but I'd say we must have raised around £1,000 for the church.

"I have enjoyed myself as I do always."