WILDLIFE artist Pip McGarry opened Hatherden Fete on Saturday by recommending an official scenic tour of the village followed by a trip to the beer tent.

Pip, the Andover co-presenter of Meridian programme 'A Brush with the Wild', has a strong link with the village because his daughter went to Hatherden Primary School.

Visitors made the most of the good weather by taking a ride in a pony and trap and supporting the traditional array of stalls.

Half of the £4,000 raised on the day will buy the school a new piano and the remainder will go towards the village's Christ Church main fund.

"It was a very successful day and we would like to thank everyone who helped out," said the school's admin officer Lyn Hancocks.

Belly dancers, majorettes and country dancers meant that supporters of Knights Enham Junior School were treated to a lively summer fete.

Stephanie Dunning from ITV's Better Homes kicked off the afternoon's proceedings by declaring the fete open.

"We were very fortunate with the weather and everyone had an enjoyable day," said the school's headteacher Anne Hughes.

One of the most popular activities was the children's face painting followed closely by a bonanza raffle.

Supporters of the school raised a total of £760 for the school's PTA, which will be put towards commissioning a mural for the school's staircase.

Hundreds of balloons floating skywards rounded off a successful Wherwell Village Fete.

Every visitor released a balloon as part of a mammoth balloon race started by Patrick Stannah of the Stannah Group of Companies.

Nearly 1,000 people pledged their support for the cause by buying a balloon for the race and visiting some of the traditional fair stalls.

The day raised nearly £7,000 for the Wherwell Village Church appeal.