VIGO Junior School was in the spotlight on Saturday as hundreds of people gathered for its first fete in many years.

"Two years ago the school was in special measures, so this was a real turnabout," said Sue Honey, secretary of the school's PTA.

Youngsters had the opportunity to learn soccer skills from a Southampton Football Club trainer and ponies Lucky and Nipper gave children cart rides. A circus workshop taught juggling and unicycle skills.

Over £2,000 was raised which will go towards an adventure playground.

Grateley Primary School had its school fete over the weekend and raised £1,600.

The countryside was this year's theme and children took part in country dancing. A country fancy dress competition was won by Lucy and Mathew Coombes.

Parents and children got involved in the tug-of-war and music continued throughout the afternoon thanks to Wyvern country dance band.

"Even allowing for the torrential downpour, it was very successful," said the school's headteacher, Mike Garside. For their fun day at Collingbourne Kingston, Dragonflies Pre-school group raised over £400.

"It was very wet as the heavens opened on us!" said Gillian Hughes, the fundraising organiser.

Gillian said she was indebted to her dedicated team of helpers. They organised a host of activities, which included face painting, a treasure hunt and a magician. Donations were made by local businesses for the raffle.