FAMILIES braved the pouring rain to support their community fair.

The annual Stubbington event was a damp affair this year but spirits were high despite the popular donkey derby being cancelled.

Children were given the chance to pet the donkeys but organisers decided that it was too wet for them to run, which was also the case for Stubbington Springboard Gymnastics, Locks Heath Silhouette Majorettes and Hoola Fitness.

But many refused to be defeated by the weather, like the Big Noise Samba Band, fairground rides, charity stalls and vintage cars.

The event has been running for more than 40 years and organising committee member Ernie Howard can’t remember the last time the weather affected it so much.

He said: “It was lovely to see so many people still coming to support the fair.

“It is a real community event and lots of people still made the effort.”