SHAFTESBURY'S famous cobbled hill was transformed into a shoppers' paradise for the ever-popular Gold Hill Fair.

The two-day event boasted an array of attractions including a children's fun fair, live music and more than 150 stalls.

There was also a touch of continental glamour with a variety show featuring Paris jazz music and Turkish belly dancers.

Large crowds attended the two-day event, which is now in its 22nd year, to soak up the sun and the fun family atmosphere.

As well as the variety show in the Abbey, there was a live music stage in St James' Park for people who wanted to rock.

Punk tribute band FDS (Fat, Drunk, Stupid) proved especially popular and there were also performances from two winners of a local battle of the bands competition.

The varied line-up of entertainment also included traditional Morris dancers and folk dancing.

A French market, a new initiative for this year, also proved a hit.

The fair was organised by the Rotary Club of Shaftesbury to raise funds for dozens of different good causes.

Martin Sayers, chairman of the Gold Hill Committee, said: "It's a fantastic event like a great big village fete.

"There's a really good atmosphere and a really good mix of people. On Saturday night, there were skinheads dancing with little children. Everyone had a great time."

The festival atmosphere was quelled for just a couple of hours, as people packed out local pubs to watch England take on Portugal.

But the crowds returned with a vengeance on Sunday, to make it one of the best-attended fairs in recent years.

It's hoped the event will raise around £5,000 for the Rotary Club, with the same again being raised by the various charities that supported the event.

Martin added: "I would really like to thank everybody that has given their time for free to make the event such a success. So many people and businesses have helped us, we could not have done it without them."