THEY say rain is not allowed on Nettlecombe Church Fete day, and so it proved on Saturday (May 24) when the forecast heavy rainfall failed to reach the village.

It meant hundreds of people were blessed with clear skies as they helped to raise more than £5,000 for St Mary the Virgin Church.

This year’s fete, a main fund-raiser of the year for the church. was back in the grounds of St Mary’s neighbour Nettlecombe Court Field Study Centre.

The event had something for all the family with Malcolm the Magician and children’s games for younger visitors, a Nettlecombe Fete Band and a Pimms and cider bar for older attendees, and a variety of stalls including plants, books, and bric a brac.