GIANT gourds of all shapes and sizes and sunny weather helped make the annual Underbarrow Marrow Day Country Fayre a 'roaring success' on Sunday.

The event, which took place a couple of weeks later than it normally does, saw people attending from the village and beyond.

Maggie Stockdale, secretary of the Underbarrow Marrow Day Committee, said there was an 'excellent' entry of marrows this year and fierce competition.

The cup for the heaviest marrow went to Mr M. Wood, the heaviest local and ugliest was won by Alfie Baines; and the best looking and best pair to R. Rowlinson.

There was great support for the duck races in the beck and plenty of water in the river after the heavy rain of previous days.

The first duck race was won by Louise Dale and the second by Janet Carter.

In the dog show winners were: dog under two years, Eric Clayton; over two years, 'Gunner' Carter; veteran over seven years, 'Milly' Sinclair; the dog most like its owner, Purdey.

The Women's Institute baking competition was won by Sarah Robinson and her four fruit scones, with Hilary Fitch and Diana James as runners up.

The flower arranging of 'an autumn arrangement' was won by Christine Charlton, and the winner of the children's flower arranging in a jam was Crosthwaite Primary School by Finn Geraghty.

The full list of all competition winners and runners up will be on display on the village notice board and in the Black Labrador pub in Underbarrow.

"We were entertained by a local live band 'Every Cloud', with lively '60s and '70s songs," said Maggie. "And finally we were surprised by a visit from the veteran tractors who came to the event as part of their day out, and caused a lot of interest."

Marrow Day committee chairman Maggie Kaye was presented a cheque for £2500 to Julie Hesmondhalgh, from Rosemere Cancer Foundation, a charity that supports local cancer patients and their families.