THOUSANDS of people enjoyed a popular Sherfield-on-Loddon village fete.

Despite an overcast start to the day, the annual fete and dog show attracted thousands of people to the village green.

New North East Hampshire MP Ranil Jayawardena kicked off the day’s proceedings, officially opening the fete at 12.30pm, after a procession featuring the Basingclog Morris group and the Yateley Morris Men, led by street band Soundblast Sinfonia.

Those attending enjoyed a jam-packed programme of events in the main arena including children’s races and an annual tugof- war between two local pubs.

Outside the arena there were stalls selling a range of products, face painting, an inflatable slide, bouncy castle and a junior art competition.

A beer tent and barbecue, as well a host of other stalls selling items such as teas and cakes and sweets, satisfied those working up an appetite on the day.

A dog show included categories such as most handsome dog and waggiest tail.

The event is expected to raise thousands of pounds for Sherfield Village Hall, Headway and a host of other local causes.

Mr Jayawardena, who browsed the stalls after opening the event, said: “It was a pleasure to be in Sherfield continuing my close association with the village.

“Sherfield has a great deal to be proud of having raised over £100,000 for charity since 1999 and it has all been raised having fun.”

Hazel Ball, a member of the team who organises the event, told The Gazette: “It went very well. Everyone enjoyed themselves and we always get good comments.

“We always have a problem trying to get people to leave because they are having such a wonderful time.”