From the proceeds £7,500 will be split between its three chosen Sid Valley causes and the Salcombe Regis Church.

Salcombe Regis Fair organisers had the ‘perfect’ day after raising a record £9,500.

The volunteer-run event was established 45 years ago and has raised £200,000 for a wide range of local charities. This year it was the turn of the East Devon Parkinson’s Disease Sufferers Support Group, Sidmouth Living with Cancer and the Admiral Nurse Campaign.

Mike Newman, chairman of the fair, estimated the event has raised £9,500 and will split £7,500 between the causes and Salcombe Regis Church.

Mr Newman said: “As far as we can tell we have taken more money than ever in 45 years. The weather was perfect, it was the perfect day. The car park was over full, it filled the whole field.

“As Kingsley Squire used to say it’s the quintessential English setting.”

The church bell rang at 2pm on the dot last Thursday to signal the start of the afternoon with visitors eager to snag a bargain and browse open gardens the church grounds.

The large crowds could browse a host of stalls containing crafts, games and activities.

Crafts on display included lace making, courtesy of Sidmouth Museum, willow working and wood carving and the event’s popular flower displays in the church.

Free transport was provided to the car park at Salcombe Regis Recreation Field and, back by popular demand was music from Memory Lane.