TEST the barn owl was the guest of honour at Rookwood School's fete on Saturday to help the proceedings get under way.

He arrived with Bob Rogers from the Hawk Conservancy on what was his first birthday - and his first time away from home.

The event was organised by the Friends of Rookwood - a group of parents with children at the school - and their efforts were well rewarded.

Chairman Julie Thomas said: "We had an excellent fete and the weather was kind to us. We had lots of arena displays and these brought in many people other than children who go to the school and their parents."

It is hoped that more than £3,000 will be donated to Andover Young Carers - more than double the amount raised last year.

The theme during the day was 'witches'. Attractions included music from Andover Youth Choir, a dance group from the school and the Paul Tarrant Jugglers who held a popular workshop.

There were tug-of-war contests involving children, mothers and fathers which proved to be a big hit.

A barbecue, afternoon teas and ice creams were available and there were a number of stalls including bric-a-brac, plant and cakes.

Pupils were given the chance to get their own back on two teachers who volunteered to go in the stocks to have wet sponges thrown at them.