WHEN Verwood Rotary Club were asked to help organise a fundraising fayre 25 years ago they could never have dreamed it would still be going strong.

But the silver jubilee of Verwood Rustic Fayre took place yesterday on Potterne Park with even more attractions to entertain local families and their children.

Organiser Vern Harris said: "This year we had Big and Little Equine, a two-horse display team where one of the horses was far bigger than the other, as well as a traditional Punch and Judy show."

Also new was Circus Whiz, where delighted children were able to learn exciting circus skills, including juggling and tightrope walking.

First attraction of the day was dog agility and there was also terrier racing, egg-catching, a vintage vehicle show and a duck race.

Local organisations and charities were able to raise money for their causes by hiring stands and the event was entertained by three very different types of music. The Flamin' Ukes ukelele band played near the beer tent, followed by folk band Celtic Knot. Visitors were also serenaded by Verwood Concert Brass Band.

"The Rustic Fayre started off in a very small way as part of an effort to raise money to match a sum which was being given to the town by the Safeway supermarket," said Vern. "After a couple of years they achieved the amount they wanted and the fayre stopped but, like a lot of things, it's only when you don't have it you realise it's not there."

The Rotary Club was persuaded to re-launch the fayre which has taken place ever since.

"It's got bigger and better and people know it's going to be on and look out for it and we get a lot of help from friends and neighbours and local groups," said Vern. "It's pretty amazing to think but over the last 25 years we've raised more than £100,000 for local good causes."