FARM animals, donkey races, historic steam vehicles and football - there was plenty of variety for fun-seekers across Hampshire at the weekend.

Townies were able to get an insight into farmyard life yesterday when Southampton's Down to Earth Environmental Education Centre and Community Farm opened its doors to the public.

Visitors were able to see newly-hatched chicks, sheep, turkeys and geese or have a go at pond dipping.

Cars, steam, commercial and agricultural vehicles were on show at the ninth annual Copythorne Steam and Vintage Vehicle Rally despite the grey weather yesterday.

Young and old alike were treated to a trip on a free vintage bus park and ride service complete with a friendly conductor issuing tickets.

The rally is one of the highlights of Copythorne Carnival Week which will end with a procession through the village on Saturday.

Scores of brave children held on as tight as they could when they took the reins at Eling's annual donkey derby.

BBC weather presenter Alina Jenkins was the official race starter at the popular event held at Eling Recreation Ground in Rose Road, Totton, on Saturday.

They had to dodge the showers, but it did not stop the smiles at a Football Frenzy Family Fun Day organised by young volunteers at Eastleigh Football Club's Ten Acres ground.

Task force members from Eastleigh's Millennium Volunteers, which caters for 16 to 24-year-olds, set up the event to net funds for Solent Youth Action - a new charity to be launched to expand the work of the Millennium Volunteers into Southampton and the New Forest.

Attractions at the family fun day included face painting, live entertainment, bouncy castles and a beat the goalie competition