HAVING successfully run The Greyfriar pub for the past 12 months, landlord Simon Brencher has added the running of the annual Chawton fete to his list of duties - and already turned it into a runaway success.

A healthy crowd filled Prowtings Lawn on August 4 - at the invitation of Jenny and Tom Perring - for a fun-packed afternoon that catered for all ages.

Refreshments on a sizzlingly hot day ranged from beer to Champagne while a barbecue, with sausages supplied by Alton butcher Mark Sole, kept visitors well nourished as they sought the shade.

But there was too much to see and do to sit for too long, with a wealth of craft stalls to browse, a WI stall laden with homemade cakes (which soon sold out), plate smashing, a display by Solent MG classic cars, a grand raffle, and a bouncy castle for the youngsters.

Two highlights were the hilarious ferret racing and the chance to ride round the beautiful grounds on Trigger the Train or enjoy the children’s fancy dress, with Snow White winning first prize, a mermaid claiming second place and two boys dressed as Buzz Lightyear and Woody third among some imaginative entries.

People descended on the village hall, which was ablaze with colourful flowers and foliage as, despite no significant rainfall for two months, Chawton Horticultural Society put on a marvellous display. They were also on hand to offer tips on how to produce such outstanding blooms.

The fete netted £4,000 which will be split among village charities.

Flower show results:

President’s Challenge Cup: Thisby Archer.

Ernest Skates Cup: Robina Williamson.

RHS Banksian Medal: Bella Robertson.

Ken Grace Cup: Helen Robertson.

Gerlach Cup: Helen Robertson.

Richard Watts Award: Janice Gabriel.

Parry Cup: Janice Gabriel.

Hybrid Tea Rose Cup: Sarah Addison.

Flower Basket Cup: Carol Collins.

Ron Emm Junior Cup (5-12): Juno Brown

Glebe Cup (Up to 5): Isobel Gleadow

Chawton HS Cup (6-12): Ronnie Golden

Jubilee Cup for Photography: Mike Deegan.

Novelty Dog Show winners:

Best In Show: Puck (owner Andy Adams, Micheldever).

Best Condition: Puck (Andy Adams, Micheldever).

Dog with the Waggiest Tail: Autumn (Sally Edwards, Lasham).

Best Veteran: Louise (Tracy Edwards).

Best Trick: Roxy (Gina Croft, Bentworth).

Best Child Handler: Sacha Retallack (Farringdon).

Best Rescue Dog: A German shepherd (Sandra Chitty).