Hundreds expected at Tenbury Well mistletoe fair

Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that favours the domestic apple tree

Hundreds of people are expected to attend a mistletoe fair.

Tenbury Wells in Worcestershire claims to be the mistletoe capital and is well known for its mistletoe auctions. Its annual festival has a procession led by druids.

In 2010, conservationists warned about future supplies over fears of a decline of its habitat.

Mistletoe thrives in established apple orchards, which have seen a big decline over the past 60 years.

Caroline Palethorpe, festival manger, said: "It's important to Tenbury because it's the only place in the country where we have the unique mistletoe auctions which have been going for over 100 years.

"The area is renowned for fruit and particularly the apple tree, and therefore it grows in abundance."

Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy will be performing poetry later on Saturday evening.