IT was loud, colourful and hailed as the best Pixie Day Ottery has seen for years.

IT was loud, colourful and hailed as the best Pixie Day Ottery has seen for years.

Ottery was packed and bathed in sunshine as more than 70 shrieking youngsters from the town's Brownies, Rainbows, Beavers and Cubs exacted their legendary annual revenge on the church bell-ringers including the visiting Bishop Bob Evens.

It is hoped the day of celebrations, which also featured a fete, samba band and firework display has raised around �2,500 for the Pixie Day organising committee.

"It couldn't have gone better", said chairman Richard Coley, 72, who has been involved with the flagship summer event for 30 years.

"We has two disappointing years but that made it even better. The weather was great, there was a marvellous atmosphere and a great turnout. The road closures went well and we have welcomed two new committee members so we have some great help to keep it going."

Six-year-old Joanna Young took part in her second Pixie Day and didn't need to think twice when asked of her highlight of the day: "the screaming". She said "I love being a pixie and having my face painted. It's fun to run around with my friends and make lots of noise."

Joanna's mum, Nicky, 39, of Claremont Field, hailed a "wonderful family day" and reserved special praise for its organisers.

She said: "Its fantastic and so good for our community through the support it gets, everything was just lovely.

"I know how much hard work goes in behind the scenes and I know we are all grateful to Richard (Coley) and the four or five other committee members for making it happen. Without them we wouldn't have it at all."

The event was also one of the best-behaved Pixie Days in recent years as there were no reported crimes during the celebrations.

Ottery Neighbourhood beat manager PC Phil Thomas said: "It went very well, we seized a miniscule amount of alcohol, I believe around two cans, from underage drinkers which is well down on last year when we took around 24. The year before that it was more than 40. It was a really good day enjoyed by everybody.