Atrocious weather threatened to turn the Country Fair in Salcombe Regis into a complete wash-out last week, but the event still made more than �5,000.

Despite the weather last Thursday, it didn’t stop the stalls taking �3,000 in little more than two hours.

Draw ticket sales took the final figure to �5,267 which, after deductions for expenses, will enable the fair to make a significant donation to the Sidmouth C of E Primary School mini bus appeal, the Herald’s 2012 campaign charity.

“Soaked but unbowed just about sums it up,” said committee chairman Mike Newman this week.

“The conditions could hardly have been worse, though we were blessed by a weather ‘window’ which appeared as if on cue to hold off the rain for at least a little while just when the fair opened.

“Everyone pitched in as they always do and they all deserve the highest praise for their fortitude and the tremendous community spirit that made the afternoon, against all the odds, a success.”

Mr Newman thanked all the helpers, all who gave items for sale and the many bargain hunters who braved the wind and rain to support the fair.

Some stalls and sideshows were rained off at last week’s fair, and it was confirmed some will form the centrepiece of a Salcombe Regis Country Fair Part Two at All Saints Church Hall from 1.30pm on Thursday, July 26