VILLAGERS near Winchester turned out in numbers to support a fete in the church grounds.

St Mary the Virgin has held fetes before, most recently in the grounds of nearby Twyford preparatory school.

But on Saturday (June 14) it set up stalls in the old part of the church yard around the yew tree.

Blessed by fine weather, hundreds of people attended the event, helping to raise £2,600 for church funds.

Ian Wheeler, deputy verger, said: “It was a lovely day. It went extremely well and was well supported. We are very pleased with it.”

Mr Wheeler is considering holding a similar event in 2015. “We haven’t had a fete for a few years. We have autumn fayres in the parish hall. Last year the fete was in the grounds of Twyford School.”

The belfry was opened to the public and visitors had the chance to see the eight bells. One was rung during the fete.

There were lots of things for children such as lucky dips, splat the rat and other games.