THERE was a lot of snorting and grunting going on it one village near Romsey at the weekend.

But it was all in good fun as community spirited folk at West Dean celebrated the village's annual fete with a Pig Fest.

Pig scarecrows were scattered around the quiet south Wiltshire community and Sir Peregrine Porkus-Pigg led by Romsey Old Cadets Carnival Showband opened the event which pulled huge crowds from miles around.

And organisers believe that Saturday's fete could be a record-breaker not only in attendance but also in the amount of cash raised.

Fete chairman Derek Howland said: "It is hoped that will raise a record beating £8,000 which will be distributed to support local community projects - St Mary's Church and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance."

Mr Howland added: "The fete was heaving with over 1,500 visitors who flocked to the fete by foot, car, bike and train."

There were more than 30 entries in the pig scarecrow competition which was popular with both West Dean residents and visitors to the fete. A pig made by the Harris family won the Pig Fest competition which followed on from the success of last year's scarecrow competition which attracted nearly 40 entries.

Besides the pigs, the main crowd puller of the afternoon which was packed with numerous activities and things for people to watch, were birds of prey demonstrations by the South Wilts Falconry team who flew various birds including an eagle owl.

There was also a tug-o-war game between a team from West Dean and the Black Horse pub at West Tytherley. The pub team representing West Tytherley village won the competition.

The fun didn't stop there because children's entertainer Steve Welford alias Juggling Jake entered the crowds with his circus skills with workshops for them to take part in.

Visitors also flocked to watch sheep racing, fly fishing demonstrations, a family dog show with five classes and a canine agility course and displays by members of the Hursley Pony Club.

Further attractions will included, a craft fair, a vintage car and steam engine tractor, a children’s crafts zone, a livestock area, laser clay-pigeon shooting and stalls from local shops and other sellers.

There was also a village fete summer show at St Mary's Church in it and included classes for children and adults ranging from handwriting, poetry, baking, art, needlework, photography, flower arranging and home produce.

The fete concluded with a duck race on the River Dun and this attracted more than 100 entries.

Festivities continued well into the night with an open air music festival with Salisbury-based band The Difference performing to a crowd of more than 200 people. The band was supported by Fields in the Sky and Ben Rowe.