WITH a dog show, an exhibition of vintage cars and demonstrations in how to build survival shelters, it was no ordinary event.

The annual Burton Scout Group Carnival featured fun for all the family as it returned to Martins Hill Recreation Ground for another year at the weekend.

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The carnival, held in support of the 8th Christchurch (Burton) Scouts, saw hundreds turn out to raise funds.

Scout group leader Colin Payne said: "It was a really good day.

"I haven't seen the carnival as busy as that - it was really buzzing, so we're all really pleased."

Crowds were treated to displays by members of the group, who used the arena to put up the heavy canvas tents favoured on outdoor expeditions, and even hastily put together a survival shelter.

Youngsters were also invited to have a go on the popular rope bridge built by the Scouts.

Mr Payne, who served in the armed forces for 22 years before taking on leadership of the group, said: "For us, it's not so much about money, even though it's a big fundraising event for us.

"It's about getting the community together and having fun. It's always a really good day, and we get a lot of support from the Scouts, their parents and residents. So many people have said wonderful, positive things about the carnival, so everything went really well."

Members of the group are to take a short break for the summer before heading to Brownsea Island for a stay on their first weekend back again.

The island hosted the first-ever experimental camp for boys between 31 to August 9 1907, organised by the-then Lieutenant-General Baden-Powell to test his ideas for the book Scouting for Boys.