ANIMATED film characters took over Hartley Wintney as part of the annual village festival.

A procession of local schoolchildren, all dressed up as their favourite characters, wowed crowds as part of a colourful parade which kicked off the annual Hartley Wintney Festival on Saturday.

Thousands of people flocked to the village common for the festival which is organised by the Rotary Club of Hart and Odiham Lions.

Most of the entertainment on the day was enjoyed from the event’s main arena, where there were performances from Old Basing Royal British Legion Corps of Drums and the YEM Theatre School, as well as an annual tug of war competition.

Crowds were entertained by a selection of vintage cars and youngsters got to enjoy a host of fun activities including a mini fairground, a bouncy castle and a Beat the Goalie competition.

For those working up an appetite, a burger and hot dog stall, an ice cream van and a beer tent were on hand.

Among those soaking up the sun at the event was 38-year-old Sarah Barlow with her husband Lee, 41, and four-year-old daughter Eliza.

Sarah, who lives in Beechcrest View, Hook, told The Gazette: “We have really enjoyed it. It is always really well done and there is a relaxed atmosphere and there are lovely rides for the kids.”

During the event, the rotary club presented a £2,000 donation to St Michael’s Hospice in Aldermaston Road which was chosen as their charity of the year.

The event also aims to raise much-needed funds for a host of other local, national and international good causes.

Mike Shaw, president of the Rotary Club of Hart, added: “This is a day that sparks the interest and involvement of the whole community in Hartley Wint-

ney."

“It is a real family occasion when literally thousands of local residents come together to participate and enjoy themselves.”