SIDBURY Fair Week saw bumper fun run entries, dashing ducks and livestock aplenty.

The fun run and walk on Sunday attracted 370 participants young and old, which organisers say is by far the largest entry the event has ever had.

The throwing of the hot pennies on Tuesday had to move time slots for the first time in its history, as the Tour of Britain cycle race came through the same day. It was well-supported by the village school children, and the new owners of what was the Royal Oak, who had got married on Saturday, good-naturedly got involved.

On the following day, fair day, a gang of 1,880 ducks made their way down the river. The winners belonged to George Cave and Carly Sawyers. Bailey Cross and Abi Pearse had sold the most ducks in the school and parents helped out by selling or mushing ducks.

Teacher Viv Rands said: “The school is an integral part of the village and, from our point of view, our involvement in fair week is a vital part of that. The children have a wonderful time and it helps build their sense of community.”

The poultry section of the fair day livestock and poultry sale was particularly popular, with 101 lots sold. The Hamlin Poultry Cup went to Mrs S Owen, of East Hill, Ottery St Mary, ending Simon Land’s six-year winning streak. The Davey Cup, for the best pen of lambs went to L&M Coles, Harcombe.

The scarecrow competition attracted 20 entries, with the Scarecrow Cup going to The Lion, from Cotford Close.

The Rogers Cup for outstanding contribution to village life went to Marion Clarkson.

Fair committee chairman Sir John Cave said: “Things have been as successful as ever. The fun run goes from strength to strength, and the duck race is tremendous because it involves so many people from the village and attracts lots of interest.”