SHALDEN Park House and its idyllic, beautiful gardens was the setting for the annual village fete on Sunday.

Thanks to sizzling sunshine, the fete attracted more than 300 visitors to what was, according to organisers, a successful and fun afternoon.

Just as they did last year, Michael, a former sheriff of Hampshire, and Linda Campbell, owners of Shalden House, played host and later donated the top prize in an auction of promises - a trip on Mr Campbell’s boat from Hamble to the Isle of Wight where he will treat the winners to a lunch at the Royal Yacht Club.

It was an action-packed fete with a large variety of stalls, a classic car display, skittles and a fun dog show, while the youngsters were kept entertained by a bouncy castle, plate smashing and, for the under-sevens, a teddy bear shy.

And they all proved to have good aim according to committee member Ian Champness, who said: “I was in charge and I handed over 70 teddy bears.

“On such a lovely day our beer and Pimm’s tents were very busy, as were the afternoon teas with homemade cakes and cream scones.

“Wey Valley Radio, where I did an interviews on Shalden earlier in the week, was also there interviewing the visitors.”

He said the committee, whose chairman is Peter Rankin, were hoping to have topped last year’s £3,000.

“Especially as our auction of promises alone made £1,200 and, again, what we have raised will be donated to local charities,” added Mr Champness.