THE giggles of school children echoed through the historic village of Hursley when residents celebrated their annual fete.

It was a day of tombolas, sandcastles and the quintessential barbecue – which quickly formed a long-lasting line – to celebrate this year’s theme of Beside the Seaside.

John Keble School children welcomed their guests to have a go on the inflatable slide, take part in the Dad’s knobbly knees competition and enjoy the makeshift sandpit, made possible by an empty paddling pool.

Hampshire Chronicle:

Cressida Davis with Elizabeth, two, and Suzanne Gately and Niamh, two. 

Guest for the day was May Martin of the Great British Sewing Bee who judged the Season Bunting Sewing Competition.

The school winner – who was rewarded for her seaside design – was nine-year-old Summer Hughes.

She was given a £15 voucher to spend at C&H fabric shop in Winchester.

“I’m really surprised I won,” she said. “They sent home bunting and you had to design it. I’m happy – I want my own sewing machine anyway.”

Hampshire Chronicle:

Snoozing in the sunshine

Lucky people were handed a range of special prizes during the draw, including posh fish and chips at Loch Fyne.

Children turned their tongues every colour of the rainbow as they slurped slush puppies, enjoying the clement weather, while the adults made themselves busy at various stalls selling plants, crafts, health and bath products, second-hand clothes and strawberries and cream.

There was also a spot of face-painting, fitting deck chairs, bric-a-brac and handmade jewellery.