THIS year's new im-proved fete at Brough-ton Primary School attracted record crowds as organisers launched their bid to raise the school's profile.

The chairman of the Friends of Broughton School, Alison Evans, said: "Despite the weather we had a very good turnout. It was a record year for the number of people that came."

They raised £1,500 for the school, which is up on previous years. But Mrs Evans said the fete was planned on a much bigger scale this year with the added aim of raising the profile of the school in the area.

She said it was a beautiful school with a roll of just 48 children, even though it had capacity for more than 70.

There were many more attractions this year for a fete that was opened by Romsey MP Sandra Gidley.

Highlights included the Winchester Morris Men leading the procession from the village hall and a fly past by the Blue Eagles Army Air Corp helicopter display team.

Organisers introduced a kite-making competition this year. Mrs Evans explained that a kite is the school's emblem.

The tug-of-war contest proved to be popular with dads from Broughton School winning the day.

Mrs Evans thanked Thruxton Motor Sport Centre for its support.