AN INVASION by young pirates was all part of the fun at the annual Hartley Wintney village festival.

Members of the 4th Bramshill Scout Group shot at passers-by with water pistols from a float pirate ship which was part of the colourful parade.

Hundreds of people came to the village common for the festival, which is organised by Hook Rotary and Hook and Odiham Lions.

Most of the entertainment was in the event’s main arena, where there were performances by two local Rock Choir groups, as well as the traditional tug-of-war and the judging of the festival procession, which had a pantomime theme this year.

Among those watching were Rachel Healy, her husband Michael and their three-year-old daughter Cerys. The 37-year-old, of Holt Lane, Hook, said: “We love it really. It’s local and it’s nice to see the community out together.”

There was also a mini-fairground, a burger and hot dog stall, a beer tent and a exhibition of classic cars that included a 1930 Ford Model A Coupe.

Organiser Keith Powell said this year’s event included more local acts of entertainment than in previous years.