A WELCOME appearance by the sun boosted the turnout for Chiddingfold Village Fête.

The annual event introduced a fun dog show and a cake making competition to the proceedings as new attractions for 2017.

Waverley Mayor and Chiddingfold resident Simon Inchbald awarded a cup to St Mary’s Church, whose colourful display featuring a prayer tree, he judged, made it a worthy winner of the best dressed stall competition.

Fête stalwart Tony Talliss received a special prize for being ‘voice of Chiddingfold’, as master of ceremonies for the event during its 30-year history.

Vets from the village’s Woodside Road clinic judged the dog show, which featured more than 60 pets in seven classes.

A highlight of the day on the village green was the traditional tug-of-war, which in one of the shows of strength featured an eye-catching 50 children at one end of the rope pulling against parents on the other.

As well as funfair rides, bouncy slides and games, children and adults could also try their hand on a pottery wheel provided by Farnham Pottery.

Former members of Chiddingfold Ladies Group, which has disbanded, teamed up again to run the tea tent. It was so popular it ran out of cakes.

In addition to all the fun of the fair, revellers could also visit the bell tower and the village archives.

“It went ever so well,” fete secretary Suzanne Dunn said. “We were lucky with the weather and had a record turnout.

“It was very much a children’s fete. They absolutely love the tug-of-war. Pupils from St Mary’s Primary school performed a Maypole Dance and guides and brownies created a human fruit machine, which was a real winner.

“The children really enjoyed Haslemere Fire Station’s display and being able to sit in some of the vehicles. It was exciting when the fire crew went off on a shout mid afternoon.

“The money raised will be donated to: Chiddingfold Village Hall, Chiddingfold Good Neighbours Scheme, St Mary’s School and Chiddingfold guides and brownies. We chose four charities that were not supported by this year’s ChiddFest.”