FAMILIES braved the rain to raise thousands of pounds for Andover C of E Primary School.

Residents joined pupils and staff on Saturday for the school’s annual summer fayre.

The fete was opened by the Pokémon character Pikachu, who then carried out meet and greets.

Throughout the day, plenty was on offer for people to enjoy, such as tombolas, raffles, cakes stalls and plants on sale from the primary school’s gardening club.

There were games for people to get involved with including ‘water and wine tombola’, grab a doughnut and mini golf, which had been set up by the Men’s Shed.

Grey clouds called off main arena events outside, but quick-thinking meant that Ruby Slippers and Xion Gym showcased their talent in the school hall.

Youngsters were also given the chance to meet members of the emergency services, with the fire service, police and St John Ambulance on hand to let children have a look around their vehicles, while arts and crafts were aplenty.

Headteacher Melanie Beardsley said: “It was very wet on the day, but we had a really good turnout we took more on the gate than we did last year, so it went really well.”

More than £2,000 was raised which will be used for the school’s project to create a nurture room.

“We will change a room in the school to become a nurture room which will offer classes such as cooking, therapeutic activities to support their mental and social health,” Mrs Beardsley added.

The fayre, which has been going for a number of years, was this year organised by the school’s parents, friends and teacher association, in particular chair Debbie Clarke.

n All images by Ian Longthorne