Donkey derby fayre draws in the crowdsÂ

The annual Stubbington Fayre and Donkey Derby returned to the recreation ground with more than 100 stalls, fairground rides and music from local bands.

Paula Cross-Neely came along to the event with her family who were visiting from Wales.

She said: '˜We have been coming every year since we moved and it is such a lovely fayre to come to with the family.

'˜There is so much for the children to do and there are so many stalls that inform you of things going on in the local area.

'˜In fact the fayre is how I joined up to the local WI because they were here at the fayre selling cakes and now I am a member so it really shows you parts of the community you may not know about otherwise.'

Paula's cousin Gareth was pleasantly surprised by the fayre which has been running for over 50 years.

He said: '˜I would have never thought a local fayre would be this big and have so much for families to do.

'˜It is also really nice that in this day and age, a community still comes together to put on a great family event.'

Mayor of Fareham, Councillor Susan Bayford, said: '˜I am so thrilled that the weather has held and the fayre is always a great event.'

The highlight of the day included six donkey races including the Hill Head Hurdles, Titchfield Trot and the Fareham Furlong, dubbed the '˜Donkey Derby'. 

Chairman of the Stubbington Fayre Committee Tom Armstrong-Collett said: '˜Each fayre takes a long time to plan and we usually start in November so it is great to see today that everything is going well and people are enjoying themselves.

'˜Despite the rain clouds lots of families have come out to have fun at our fayre and learn about local charities.'

The fayre is mainly organised by Fareham Lions and Crofton Lions with support from the Crofton Youth Project and local businesses.

Tom added: '˜I think the fayre has been going all these years because community spirit is still alive and it is something that everyone looks forward to all year.'

Last year the fayre made £2,000 in profit that was shared between local charities.

Hampshire County Councillor Pal Hayre and borough councillor Kay Mandry are both involved in the Crofton Youth Project and the fayre.

Councillor Hayre said: '˜We always get such great support from the people of Stubbington and they really look forward to it every year.'

Councillor Mandry added: '˜It is a pleasure to be involved and myself and Cllr Hayre really enjoy getting stuck into community events and charity work.'