THE famed Alderholt Giant was a particularly cool dude this year, sporting sunglasses and toting a saxophone.

The St James’ Church annual festival and fete was a jazz-themed affair this year and villagers turned out in force to follow the Giant from the school to the church, led by drummers and a steam engine.

There was a fancy dress parade, Scottish dancing and plenty of activities including a bouncy castle and pony rides.

The entertainment continued into Sunday, when there was a jazz band at the church and afternoon teas.

The Bishop of Salisbury led the morning service and blessed the new church gates, given in memory of Ivor Cox, who died in a motorbike accident in 1993. The old wooden gates in his memory have been replaced with a handcrafted pair by Giles Stuart of Pamphill.

Vicar Pip Martin said: “It was brilliant – the church was full for the Sunday service and the féte was, as always, a big and popular event.

“We were raising funds for the church and school and hope to have made more than £3,000.”