A BLITZ type mentality kept residents and organisers smiling despite a day dogged by rain for the second year in a row.

The Stubbington Fayre and Donkey Derby saw hundreds gather on the Stubbington Recreation Ground to watch donkey races and enjoy activities and performances.

Though the weather hampered this, residents came together to ensure it did not spoil their day.

Rain meant the gymnastics club could not perform due to safety concerns and neither could the majorettes as rain had spoilt their costumes.

The music failed for a group of dancers though the Big Noise Samba Band from Gosport stepped in to accompany them.

There were six donkey races before a grand final and as usual there were a few tumbles along the way, though organisers had tried to ensure because of the weather that riders had experience.

But the wet weather ensured riders had a rather softer but muddy landing and beyond a few bumps and bruises there were no serious injuries.

Reg Norton, public relations officers for the organising committee, said: “There’s a blitz mentality when things are bad.

“People try to help one another, they laughed at the difficulties and although it was bad weather you end the day with quite a lot of happy people.”

Fareham mayor Mike Ford stayed throughout and awarded rosettes to the winning riders.

There were also stalls and traditional funfair events.

The event, which has been running at least 55 years, lets other charities and organisations raise money and is organised by Crofton Lions, Fareham Lions and residents.