MORE than 1,000 rock and metal fans were treated to two days of top acts at the Fire and Forge Festival in Trowbridge.

The music lovers were treated to former Iron Maiden singer Blaze Bayley, Steve Grimmett of Grim Reaper and dozens of other musical talent from Wiltshire and further afield.

The sixth edition of festival, at the civic centre, ended up raising around £5,000 for the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation to cap off a memorable couple of days for organiser Doug Harvey.

"It was just a fantastic success. We had some brilliant acts who sent the crowd wild time after time after time," he said.

"We had some wonderful local talent and some big names as well. To have Steve perform not too long after he had his leg amputated was amazing to see.

"The performers were so dedicated to the cause and talked about how important the charity is which was great to hear."

After a year away from the event, due to clashes with the Trowbridge Carnival, Mr Harvey said the event far exceeded his expectations.

"There was a bit of concern that we would lose a bit of momentum from being away but I do not think we lost it at all, it was spectacular," he said.