A RECORD number of visitors enjoyed an action-packed sunny afternoon at Porlock’s annual Country Fair last Sunday which raised over £5,000 for Recreation Ground maintenance funds.

Hailed by the organisers as “a great success”, the bigger-than-ever event catered for all ages and interests, from motorbike displays to a circus workshop.

The event, which has evolved from a village fete, is now one of the area’s main summer attractions.

A samba band got the party started, joined by stilt walkers and children dancing, followed by races for children and adults, performances by Brompton Regis morris dancers and a 150-entrant dog show, judged by John Cage, a vet from Glenmore House. Best in show was won by Coco.

Over 40 stalls enjoyed a very busy day, offering locally-produced wares including preserves, confectionery, jewellery, plants, artwork, woodwork, ceramics, toys and clothing, plus many stands from community groups.

Family fun was provided by a bouncy castle, a circus workshop run by Higher Beings, a bike obstacle course and ‘soft’ archery organised by Exmoor Adventures.

Porlock Football Club’s traditional “Granny’s Attic” gave everyone a ‘smashing time’ destroying crockery, and a tombola overflowed with prizes generously donated by Porlock businesses and residents.

Emergency services were represented at the fair by the Porlock fire crew, the local mountain rescue, Dorset and Somerset air ambulance and National Coast Watch. Also on display were Harley Davidson motorcycles and classic cars.

Visitors could enjoy a wide variety of refreshments including teas in the in the pavilion provided by Porlock Ladies, and a licensed bar run by the Top Ship pub.

There were also numerous food options ranging from local butcher Richard Little’s hog roast and burgers, to Exmoor Wood-fired Pizza Co. and the Caribbean Kitchen, plus the Styles ice cream van.

A spokesperson for the event said: “The Recreation Ground charity trustees would like to thank our volunteer paramedic plus all the other volunteers, too many to mention, who helped put up the marquees and who worked on the day manning the gates, car parking, or running a stall, plus tidying up afterwards. We could not do it without you!”