IT was described as a quintessential English summer fete and it certainly lived up to the billing.

Hundreds of people headed to Wonston, near Winchester, on Saturday (July 13) for the annual church fete, including Winchester MP Steve Brine who officially opened it. It featured a performance by international singer Lisa Faye, a miniature steam train, duck races, croquet, face painting, bouncy castles and a number of other traditional events.

Bettina Betton, who leads the organising committee, said she was delighted with what the fete had to offer in the grounds of Old House, Wonston.

She said: “Last year was a washout but it couldn’t be more different this year. We have a fantastic, intimate location, which is down by the river for duck races, the children are putting on their own puppet show and we have Lisa Faye singing with the new village choir the 5678s.

“It’s a new choir and they are perfect and we are thrilled they are here today.”

Mrs Betton said the fete was a key village fundraiser for Holy Trinity Church, which needs to raise £30,000 per year to survive.

She said: “This is a big chunk of that £30,000 and usually we raise between £5-£7,000 so hopefully we can do something similar this time as it will be a big help.” Mr Brine added: “It’s an absolute pleasure to be back at this fete. Every time I’m here it’s been beautiful weather like this so you must be doing something right!”