DOWN came the rain . . . but it failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the many people who attended the annual Bridestowe Ram Roast on Saturday.

The worst weather in the 16 years the event has been held meant many stalls had to be moved from the sporting green venue into the adjacent village hall.

MC Graham Crocker kept the many visitors abreast of events throughout the afternoon.

First up were the women of the Sticklepath-based Cogs and Wheels Morris Dancers who stepped out with some traditional dances during a dry spell in the weather.

A barbecue run by Phil Rattenbury and Yvonne Watson did a non-stop trade as did 'Briddy Baps' from the ram roasted by Ian Hockin and Tony Carroll.

Children were kept entertained by 'Party Pieces' in the hall and on the green.

Duck races, cream teas, skittles, darts, golf and a host of stalls kept visitors entertained and helped raise just under £1,000 towards the funds for a new village hall.

Ram roast committee chairman Janet Wilkins said she was 'absolutely delighted' that so many people turned out to support the event, despite the appalling weather.

'I would like to thank Michael Smale for stepping in at the last minute and providing us with a ram to roast.

'And thanks also to the many people who put in such hard work before and after the event to make sure it was a success.'

The community spirit was also praised by village hall committee chairman Laura Leigh.

Residents can look forward to next year's event — and hopes of better weather!