THE sun shone brightly on Saturday as a thousand people flocked to Cranborne for the annual church fete.

Pimms on the lawn, tea and scones and traditional stalls were set up in the midst of roses and lavender in the grounds of Cranborne Manor, making this year’s event one of the best ever.

Organiser Michael Nurton told the Forest Journal he believed about £9,000 was raised for Cranborne Church.

“While this seems a lot the church needs lots of money for the many repairs it needs,” he said.

Children had spent days leading up to the event, creating animals made from vegetables to showcase.

The star of the show was a tick, but other animals included ducks, chickens and a sheep.

Children had a ball in their fancy dress and enjoyed pony rides around the grounds.

Ringwood Community Choir and Verwood Training Band performed a variety of music while Cranborne Historic Society staged an exhibition of photographs and memorabilia.

Organiser Annabel Nurton said: “The event was delightful. The weather was perfect and the car park was overflowing.

“It was truly very special and we are so lucky to have Cranborne Manor.”