HUNDREDS of fun-loving rugby fans flocked to a jam-packed sports and ale festival over Easter weekend.

The Ellingham and Ringwood Rugby Club saw more than 1,000 people turn out to their annual festival of touch rugby and real ale and cider on Good Friday.

The popular free event took place at Raymond Brown Memorial Ground in Ringwood, with hundreds enjoying the entertainment despite the April showers.

Thirty seven teams competed in the fancy dress tournament, with costumes ranging from schoolgirls to Mario and tennis players.

And for those not competing, there was the chance to indulge in more than 50 real ales and ciders throughout the day.

Each of the barrels of ale and cider was sponsored by a local business.

The team, 'A Girl's Got to Eat', dressed as schoolgirls, were crowned the winners of the touch rugby tournament, with groups flocking from all over the country to take part.

Sharon Evans, one of the event organisers said: "It was such a great day. This is our 13th annual event and the turnout was brilliant - especially considering the weather.

"There was such a variety of costumes - everyone made a real effort from soldiers to bunnies and lifeguards.

"We also had a team from the England Rugby development squad competing and all the referees were students from Solent and Winchester."

Sharon added: "We're hoping to raise around £10,000 for the rugby club - but we don't know how much we have got yet.

"We're just really pleased with the turnout and it was a lovely atmosphere."