ALTON'S fifth annual Jane Austen Regency Week got off to a fine start on Saturday.

Stalls and costumed figures in the town, traditional dancing, live animal displays and horse and carriage rides recreated the genteel side of the famous author's era.

Dressed for the occasion are Charlotte Main, Jess Willis, Katie Giles and Lizzy Willis from The Covenant Youth Choir. While many of the events have now finished there is still time to enjoy the annual Regency Concert at the Swan Hotel tomorrow and the Chawton Regency Day and Dom Nicholas lecture at Jane Austen's House Museum on Saturday.

The Costume Exhibition and cream teas at the Curtis Museum and Allen Gallery continue daily until the end of the week.