HOOK village fete zipped along after being opened by Richard Noble, the Greywell man behind the last successful attempt on the World land-speed record.

A funfair and a host of stalls run by local groups combined well with entertainment, which included young musicians and Basingstoke Silver Band.

The area's district councillors used the event to get to know some of their electorate.

The event was held at Elizabeth Hall and was in aid of the plan to improve the building.

Richard Powell, chairman of the hall committee, said: "The fete went very well with a good turnout and quite a bit of fun was had. I think people found it worthwhile and will come back again next year."

He said £1,000 was raised towards the plan to replace the hall's roof, provide disabled toilets and expand the space available.

He said the work may cost as much as £300,000 but the first step was to remind people that the hall exists and is available for them.

He added: "I hope we can regenerate some community spirit. Hook has expanded to the point where some people find it a little bit impersonal."