Paul Weller rocks Cannock Chase

Five thousand hardy music fans braved an early evening downpour to see a blistering performance by mod icon Paul Weller at Cannock Chase.

See also: Review: Weller delights wild wood Chase crowd

And they were rewarded as the rain subsided and Weller delivered a set bursting with energy and crammed full of hits.nextpage

Fears the gig could be a washout were unfounded with cars flowing easily on to the site and drainage systems coping with the deluge. nextpageThe Forestry Commision's Alistair Semple said: "We've had far more people either walking or arriving by taxi this year."nextpage

A police presence of six officers and six specials helped with traffic marshalling and saw the event pass off without incident.nextpage

And Mr Semple praised the crowd. He said: "There's been a fantastic atmosphere."nextpage Mr Semple added: "Every time I mentioned the acts or Cannock Chase in the introductory speech, a huge cheer went up."nextpage

As soon as the crowds began to file out, the clean-up operation began in preparation for this evening's Sugababes concert.nextpage