THERE was much fun in Sparsholt as young and old culminated at the heart of the village for their summer fete.

Children enjoyed the many games and activities last weekend including circus skill sessions, rides and a country dancing display.

The fete was opened by Revd Jax Machin, rector of the Downs Benefice, and Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Angela Clear, also attended.

Hilary Eggers, of the organising committee, said: “It went really well. We were very lucky, the rain held off after a brief spitter-spatter at around 1pm, and we had a dry afternoon.”

Stalls included gifts, plants, books, and cakes from Jane Taylor and Nicky Ormerod, who encouraged residents to get baking.

People sat down for a bite to eat on hay bales which added to the rural atmosphere.

There were prizes to be won in the raffle, tombola, coconut shy, football speed goal and 'splat the rat'.

Children could be seen dressed in police hats and jackets as they learnt the role of emergency services from those stationed at the visiting vehicle.

Pimm's was drunk and the barbecue enjoyed whilst the jazz band played.

St Stephen's Church even opened its doors to let villagers try their hand at bell-ringing and motor enthusiasts wandered around the classic car display.