FAMOUS author, Prue Leith, took time off from writing novels to officially open Little Compton’s annual Midsummer Fete.

Between 600 and 1,000 people attended the event that was held in the village’s children’s playground and raised more than £2,300 for Little Compton’s village hall, parish church and Women’s Institute, as well as the First Responders emergency service.

A Petticoat Lane-style market was among various attractions and the Manor Gardens were open to the public.

Young Molly Meadows presented Prue with a bouquet of flowers, while John Hall won the Guess the Weight of the Cake competition on the First Responders’ stand.

A competition to guess the time it takes to sheer five sheep was won by Tony Hawes with his estimate of eight minutes, two seconds.

Sue Cooper, of Little Compton Fete committee, said the sum generated beat last year’s total and was one of the highest figures ever raised by the event.

More than 90 copies of Little Compton Cook Book, which was launched at the fete, were sold.

More can still be purchased by emailing lcrecipebook@hotmail.co.uk