Plate smashing, Splat-the-Rat and prize-winning pooches made a record-breaking year for a street fair.

Record numbers were drawn to this year's Stoke Abbott Street Fair, with more than 650 people of all ages enjoying the unique atmosphere of one of the area's favourite village fundraisers.

From ferret racing to live jazz, the popular Book Barn to homemade cream teas and a host of stalls and children’s activities, the pretty village lanes were packed with a mix of holidaymakers and locals.

Chris Coles, event co-ordinator, said: “There was such a buzz this year with people taking a break from the beach to enjoy a fun afternoon. Beaminster town crier, David Craner, and the Arcadia Jazz Band led our traditional Sick Club parade through the lanes to start things off in style. New attractions such as the display of classic cars in the New Inn car-park and ferret-racing were really popular and there was an enchanting parade of youngsters in their Woodland Creatures fancy dress.

"All the hard work of virtually the entire village paid off and we are confident we will have raised more than £5,000 for the Bob Champion Cancer Trust, St Mary’s Church and our village hall. A huge thank you to everyone who made it happen and who came along.”

The Best in Show at the family dog show was Louise Powl’s Willow. Lauren Middleton’s Jack Russell, Ernie, won Best Non-Pedigree and Matara, Steph Coates’s whippet, won the Best Pedigree. The new sausage challenge was won by Matara - every other dog ate their sausage before it hit the ground.

Splat the Rat, the Slippery Horse and plate smashing attractions were as popular as ever and Amy Smith’s racing ferrets drew in the crowds too.

The event will return next year on Saturday, July 20.