THOUSANDS of people helped make the return of Uplyme Fete a huge success.

The playing field was packed out on Saturday for the village fete, despite rain in the morning threatening the event.

Organisers said around 2,000 people attended - 300 more than the population of Uplyme.

One of the organisers Roger Trask said: “Indeed what was gratifying was that so many people came from Lyme and surrounds ensuring the event became one for the whole area.

“It's nice for the two sides of the border to get together and support eachother.

“Lots of people told us it was the best fete they had ever been to.

“Luckily, the driving winds and rains of the morning turned to meeker weather in the afternoon and whilst we never felt quite secure that we would not be hit by a sharp shower, in the end it turned out okay.”

The day started with a procession from Mrs Ethelston's Primary to the playing field, headed up by fete princess Suzie Rood, six, and deputy princess Rosie Vincent, four, who travelled in a pony and trap.

They were followed by the fete's VIPs, Lyme Regis mayor Sally Holman, Axminster mayor Jeremy Walden, and local MP Neil Parish, and joined by the Karizma Majorettes, and local Cubs, Beavers and Brownies.

Mr Trask said: “I think the girls really enjoyed it and they looked beautiful in their dresses.”

At the fete, Suzie and Rosie were presented with their prizes by the fete's special guest, Antiques Roadshow star Paul Atterbury, who stood out in one of his trademark stripy jackets.

“He is a really well respected figure,” said Mr Trask.

“After he opened the fete and gave the princesses their prizes he went around the fete, as did all the other VIPs.

“The glamour came from the princesses and the mayors.”

Coun Holman praised the organisers for putting on such a good event.

“Congratulations on a splendid fete,” she said. “I'm sure everyone will agree it was a great success.”

Among the events was a grudge match between local fireman and lifeboat crew, who battled it out in a tug of war, which saw the firemen take the honours.

Mr Trask said: “They were twice the size of the lifeboat men and the lifeboat even had a couple of extra on the rope at one point.

“It was done in a great spirit.”

River Cottage chef Gill Mellor's hog roast proved popular, with queues all day, and Mr Trask said the 'stars of the show' were members of Honiton Gym Club.

The proceeds of the fete will be given to local good causes.

“I don't know exactly how much it will be at the moment but in the four-figure range,” said Mr Trask.

“The vast majority were local people and everyone seemed to enjoy it and that's more important than making money even.”