The annual Totton & Eling Donkey Derby - enjoyed by hundreds every year - was a runaway success.
Children saddled up to race donkeys – at fast and slow paces – around Eling recreation ground.
Now in its 27th year, the popular family event held on Saturday raised funds for the 4th Eling and 5th Testwood Scouts, who joined forces for the first time.
Cub scout leader and derby organiser Sarah Challis said: “By joining the 4th Eling Scouts, we have made the event even bigger, and we are hoping to get more people into the event as a result.
“All the money raised goes towards helping both groups keep Scouting affordable.
“Parents pay subs, but with the rise of costs, we don’t want to have to raise our prices.
“Fundraising enables us to keep the costs down.”
READ MORE: The food festivals coming to Hampshire this summer
The event at Eling Recreation Ground brought in the crowds as the first of the seven races got underway.
Sarah added: “Events like this encourage people to get involved with Scouts, and it allows us to engage with the community and give something back.
“Last year we welcomed 2,000 people, so if we can get that number again, that would be great.”
Spectators could place bets on the donkeys for each race and enjoy the various activities on offer.
From games to a tombola and food vendors, there was plenty to enjoy.
Carly Hudson travelled from Hythe to the event with her two-year-old daughter Grace Burden.
She said: “I’ve come here today with my little girl, and my son is working on one of the stalls.
“We have been coming to the derby every year as it is a fun day out.
“I am part of Hythe Scouts so it is important to help the other groups raise money.”
Also enjoying the festivities was Toni Pearce with her daughter Lauren Pearce and grandchildren Izzy Chorley and Koa Wilson-Pearce, aged seven months.
Toni said: “We have never been before, but we live locally so we thought we would all have a nice day out.
“Koa is enjoying looking at everything. We have just arrived so we have not placed any bets yet, but I am sure we will.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here