Shaky's a hit at the Ludlow festival

Shakin' Stevens wowed more than 1,500 fans at Ludlow Castle – and then promised he would love to return to Shropshire to perform again.

The This Ole House star was the headline act at the finale of Ludlow Festival last night, which included a rock concert and a spectacular fireworks display.

And speaking backstage after the event, he said he had thoroughly enjoyed the experience and hoped to return in the future.

Despite four hours of rain before the concert revellers turned out in their droves for the gig, which also included a performance by local band The Sultana Brothers.

Stevens, speaking exclusively to the Shropshire Star, said: "It was really good, and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

"The people out there really enjoyed it and so did I. I have been doing this since such a young age but who wouldn't want to go out and perform on nights like this? I would like to come back – and I'll keep my fingers crossed for better weather next time.

"I suppose the weather gave the night a Glastonbury feel with all the rain and mud," added Stevens, whose performance was the climax of a busy weekend concluding the two-week festival.

A production of Shakespeare's comedy Twelfth Night featuring Only Fools and Horses star John Challis finished on Saturday, while there were also appearances by musician Barbara Dickson and The One Show's Gyles Brandreth.