A HAMPSHIRE village welcomed a Welsh football icon.

Wales’s national football team manager Chris Coleman and his wife Sky Sports TV presenter Charlotte Jackson cut the ribbon at the Newtown Church Fete in Newtown near Wickham.

The Newtown church fete which is billed as a “quintessential” English event saw 1,500 visitors pass through the gates at the gardens of Meonwood in the village raising an impressive £14,000 towards the church and local community projects. 

Charlotte, who now lives in Winchester, said: “We were delighted to be opening the famous church fete.

“Newtown has always been very special to Chris and I – we were married here in 2015 and my family are from the village.”

Meanwhile, Chris joked that he was missing the FA Cup final but he added that luckily he was 'recording it'!

More than 150 villagers helped to stage the event which has now been running for more than 50 years.  Fete organiser Caroline Barfoot said: “I think everyone involved in the fete feels lucky to be part of such wonderful community and the event is a celebration of what the village means to us all.”

Fellow fete organiser Sue Wells added: “We’re thrilled that Chris and Charlotte are able to be part of our fete this year. It’s lovely that they are so keen to support us.”

Chris turned his hand, or rather feet, to take part in a football competition.

On offer to the public, there was a dog agility display, a working vintage steam engine and a plethora of classic cars as well as homemade cakes, plants, clothes, books, crafts, an auction of promises, a huge tombola, and the grand draw.