A VILLAGE fair built on the success of its launch last year to prove even bigger and better second time round.

Around 2,000 visitors flocked to Hurworth Grange on Saturday to enjoy the Hurworth Country Fair which saw entertainment and activity span three arenas and one stage.

The weather almost spoiled things when the gazebos put up the day before blew down by the morning of the event, but thanks to an early start by a group of dedicated volunteers, the venues were resurrected and the fair went on to be a huge success.

Keith Sandick, manager of Hurworth Grange Community Centre and a key organiser, said: “We can laugh about it now, but it wasn’t funny at the time when everything blew down!

“Thankfully on the Saturday we couldn’t have asked for better weather and I think that helped bring in more visitors.

“There were lots of different things going on all day and everybody seemed to enjoy themselves.”

Mr Sandick wished to especially thank fellow organiser and trustee of the centre, Peter Allan, as well as all the volunteers and those who contributed to the event; particularly the RAF cadets who marshalled throughout the day.

He said: “The trustees and volunteers did an amazing job. “A lot of them are in their seventies now, but they were still out there working so hard to put it all together.

“Without them it wouldn’t happen and I’d like to thank them all.”

Attractions at the fair included dog classes, music, stalls and demonstrations by local clubs.

Mr Sandick said that he fully expects the event to be staged again next year.