DESPITE bleak weather, there was plenty of sparkle at Grasmere's first Festival of the Stars at the weekend, ensuring the event was a big success.

Residents had decorated the village's houses, shops and streets with paper and plastic stars and fairy lights.

The festival, dreamed up by Grasmere Trades Association to help counter the effects of foot-and-mouth and a drop in international visitors, attracted a large number of people.

Besides street entertainment, and a marquee selling local crafts, one of the main attractions of the fun-packed weekend was the auction of gifts and celebrity goodies, presented by entertainer Daz Albright.

A host of celebrities, including Tom Jones, Cheryl Baker, former Coronation Street star Jean Alexander and rock legend Sting, donated signed photographs and messages of support and a number of last-minute donations were welcomed, including a pair of signed boxing gloves from boxer John Conteh.

The auction itself raised around 750 with a Thunderbirds poster and tickets to television show A Question of Sport achieving the highest bids.

Organiser Christine Shaw, whose shop, Craglands, hosted the auction, said she was "extremely pleased" with the festival, praising the community spirit of residents who took the time to decorate the village. "The whole village pulled together, which was the whole point. Plans are already under way for something next year."

It is hoped the total amount raised from the weekend will be more than 2,000, which will be put towards a new computer suite, to be used by both pupils and villagers, at the primary school.

Visitors to Grasmere can enjoy the stars, lights and decor until early in the New Year.