HUNDREDS of people braved the cold and rain to line Worcester's city streets and the return of the much loved Worcester Carnival.

There were giant puppets, street performers, zombies and even Elsa from Disney's Frozen joined the carnival on board the Youthcomm bus, which was blaring out pop hits as it passed the crowds.

The theme of the event was Day of the Dead, and also saw make-believe corpses in the back of a truck following the zombies.

Also joining the walking procession were the Navy Training Corps, and the Mayor of Worcester Roger Knight was greeting the crowds on board the bus too.

It is understood the carnival was a test run for next year's event.

The organisers tweeted: "This year was a test in preparation for next year.

"Thanks to everybody that attended. #Worcester."

After a 15 year absence, the people of Worcester were pleased to see it return.

Jackie Clarke, Worcester, said: "We're (her family) glad to see it back and it's nice for the children.

"We used to go to it every year. If they can get it back to what it was in its hey-day it'll be great."

Another spectator, who didn't want to be named, said: "I used to go to it often, with my children. It was fantastic back in the day, so we're glad to see it return."

The carnival got underway from Foregate Street, travelled through the high street to the Guildhall and finished in Deansway.

The Mayor of Worcester praised the people who came out to support the carnival.

Roger Knight said: "It's good to see it come back. It's a shame about the weather, but people have still turned out regardless which is great.

"A lot of work has gone into this, and we are trying to get it back to the level it used to be."

Compromises had to be made this year between the event's organisers and the safety advisory committee, meaning there were no floats and the tradition of throwing coins at floats has not gone ahead either.

Proceeds from the event, which took place on Monday, are to split between Acorns Children's Hospice, Leukaemia Care, Worcestershire Oncology Unit and the children's ward at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.