PORLOCK'S community spirit was put to the test on Saturday evening as the village's annual late night shopping event was hit by heavy rain and high winds.

But local traders who organised the evening, community groups and individuals who provided some of the entertainment and attractions, and local people who showed their support, failed to let the weather dampen their festive spirits.

"Obviously the wet weather did reduce numbers," said traders' spokesman Keith Green.

"But we are hugely grateful to all the people who did make the effort to turn out.

"Despite the rain, the atmosphere was lovely."

Shoppers and visitors to the event were rewarded with a host of entertainment, although stiltwalkers Jack Frost and Snow Queen had to abandon their planned street performances, as did the West Somerset Morris Men.

Youngsters from St Dubricius' First School also had to change their carol singing plans, moving location from the outdoor village Christmas tree to the warmth of St Dubricius' Church.

Local musicians Bill Ellis and friends set up in the former car museum and Chris de Vere Hunt and friends staged a singalong in the shelter of Porlock Visitor Centre, where there was also festive food and mulled cider from the community orchard on offer.

And at Dovery Manor, visitors were able to watch the spinning and sewing talents of Catherine Haw and Annabelle Gregory.

But one of the highlights of the evening was the 'panto in a day' performed by the Porlock Panto Society.

Auditions were held, parts given out, lines learnt and scenery constructed all in the space of a day with mini-shows of the resulting production - Red Hot Cinders - staged every 30 minutes or so in the village's Methodist hall.

"The panto performers were absolutely incredible and deserve a big vote of thanks," said Mr Green.

"The conditions were difficult to say the least but we are so grateful to everyone who braved the awful weather and to Porlock Parish Council and the Porlock Vale Newsletter who supported the event by helping to fund new signs.

"The show had to go on and in true typical Porlock spirit it did.

"We made the best of what the wet weather tried to destroy."

Photos: Maureen

Harvey.