DESPITE the forecasts it was an afternoon of family orientated fun at the Orchard Millenium Green in Buckfastleigh at the weekend.

Trustees of the Green welcomed residents and visitors to another successful Buckfastleigh Annual Fun Day.

Events coordinator Trefor Jones said: ‘The prospect of rain may have threatened to dampen spirits, but a good time was had by all in raising vital funds for local groups.

‘For me, the 2016 Buckfastleigh Annual Fun Day has to be one of the best ever and I am glad that, once again, we have been able to host an event that brought people together and benefitted the community.

‘I would like to thank everybody, including the trustees of the Green, volunteer organisers from the local community, as well as everyone who attended, for their contribution to the success of this fantastic afternoon.’

There was a variety of attractions and activities including stalls run by local organisations, wacky games, and a barbeque; musical performances by jazz band Men Behaving Tradly, led by local resident Zoe Lampeth; interactive performances and workshops from the Buckfastleigh Pantomime Group; a community canvas painting from local arts group Jellyfish Productions; activities organised by the local youth project; and an army Jeep exhibit by the new Buckfastleigh Royal British Legion.

In keeping with the fun day’s tradition, the afternoon culminated with the duck race in the River Mardle, paraded to their start point by bagpipe player Jean Hart.

The annual event was originally organised by the Buckfastleigh and District Society and is now managed by the Orchard Millennium Green Trust.

Huw Cox, chair of the trust, said: ‘I think once the clouds had cleared, everyone had a very nice time and it was a very family friendly occasion.’