NEARLY 3,000 people are estimated to have descended upon the rec in Fordingbridge for a fabulous sixth summer festival.

A climbing wall proved a great success, and visitors enjoyed displays and music while they browsed charity stalls and had a go at archery.

Club secretary Stan Broomfield said: “It was probably one of the best festivals we’ve put on.

“We were a bit down on numbers because of the threatened storms, but it was a fantastic day.

“The comments we’re getting back from traders, charities and entertainers all say how well organised it was.

“We sold every duck race ticket, making £6,500 before the prizes were handed out. And we had to stop taking classic cars when we got past 70 and didn’t know where to put them all.”

The charity that provides emergency doctors, BASICS Hampshire, were there, and supporter Andre Masters rode nearly 50 miles on a static bike to earn funds for the charity.

People had to bet on how far he’d ride in four hours, with a top prize of a champagne hamper, with the champagne provided by Mr Masters himself.

He said: “It was great fun and the storms kept off.

“I love biking, and I’ve done some major trips, but I hadn’t factored in chatting to people about the charity as I rode.

“I had to explain they were highly experienced doctors who brought hospital level care to critically injured people before they reached hospital – and that they flew on the air ambulance and volunteered by car. By the time I’d said all that a hundred times I reckon I was down ten miles.”