MORE than £1,300 was raised for a west Dorset school at "one of the most successful" summer fairs to be held.

The Friends of Symondsbury School hosted the event on Saturday (25) and despite heavy downpours - more than 150 people turned out to enjoy an afternoon of entertainment, fun and games, food and stalls.

Highlights of the event included dance performances by village school pupils, as well as a selection of songs performed by Class 4, currently in rehearsal for their summer production.

Sponsors of the fair, Baboo Gelato, were on hand selling ice cream and congratulated the winner of the star raffle prize, £100 cash, donated by the business. Other raffle prizes were donated by The Olive Tree restaurant, Transition Running, Hare Salon and many more.

The homemade cake stall sold out of its treats, the barbecue did a roaring trade and, as ever, the pupils' favourite 'jolly jar' stall attracted long queues before it was even open for business.

Organiser Karen Meek, said: "This year's fair was one of the most successful yet with so many people commenting on what a lovely atmosphere it had.

"There were lots of smiling faces, even when the rain came down. I would like to thank all the wonderful volunteers who helped put the fair together, the pupils who ran stalls or performed and, of course, all our wonderful business supporters who generously donated raffle prizes."

The final takings are still being counted, but proceeds from the fair look like breaking the school's record books with more than £1,300 being raised. The funding will go towards new books for the school's library.

Unfortunately for brave head teacher, Emma Roberts, another highlight was the naughty teacher stocks where children queued up to throw wet sponges at her.

Mrs Roberts said: "What a wonderful result from so much hard work.

"£1,300 goes a long way towards updating our school library space over the summer with much needed new books and to create a lovely space for the children to read and learn.

"I am forever telling people how great Symondsbury School is - not just because of our results, but because of the brilliant attitude of the pupils, the wonderful support of the wider school community and the beautiful surroundings we are lucky enough to enjoy.

"The summer fair brings all those things together to create a truly special event of which the whole school should be proud. It also launches us into an exciting final few weeks of term that includes sports day, our musical performance, class trips, the leavers' ball and lots to celebrate after a busy year."