Odd couple: More than 5,000 visitors watched the Punch and Judy antics on the promenade

Aberystwyth played host to scores of the traditional puppets and their knockabout routines over the August bank holiday.

Youngsters were able to try their hand at making a puppet of their own, as well as watching performances by Punch and Judy acts from across the UK as well as from Hungary and Belgium.

Tourism bosses were so impressed, the event has put the council through to the final of the community category of Wales Tourist Board's National Tourism Awards.

Some people say it is politically incorrect - they probably think it's all wife and baby bashing, but in reality it's not that at all Organiser Jim Griffiths

The town council's clerk, Jim Griffiths, organised the festival which this year saw the UK premiere of the Tony Blair puppet - an update of the traditional entertainment's aim to lampoon authority figures.

The puppet was created by the Punch & Judy College of Professors, the governing body for the so-called professors of the art.

Mr Griffiths said: "Punch and Judy is traditional seaside entertainment. It's good wholesome fun.

"Some people say it is politically incorrect. They probably think it's all wife and baby bashing, but in reality it's not that at all.

Class act: Joey the Clown was a star turn at the seaside festival

"It traditionally lampoons central government. Tony Blair puppet was the brother of Joey the Clown. So he became Tony the Clown, the King of Spin.

"The kids love Punch and Judy because the majority of them have not seen live performances before. It's quite something."

The festival cost around �10,500 to stage and saw more than 5,000 visitors at the town's promenade.

Next year the council plans to launch a Welsh-language book on Punch and Judy

On October 23, Mr Griffiths, gives a presentation on the festival to the Wales Tourist Board's judging panel.

The awards are presented at the Cardiff's Hilton Hotel on November 27.