Hundreds of people, who attended Beanacre’s annual village fete for a spot of worm charming, raised £900 for work on the church car park.

The money will go towards giving the area a grass-friendly hard surface and a better environment for sports teams and visitors to the park during the winter months.

A total of £22,000 is needed and about three quarters of the sum has been raised.

Organiser Ben Anderson was pleased by the popularity of Saturday’s fete and the positive response to some of the more unusual pursuits.

He said: “One of the most popular activities was worm charming. Those taking part were given a metre square, marked out on the grass, and had to pry as many worms as possible out of the soil in five minutes, using whatever method took their fancy.

“Some children were stamping their feet, while others poked holes in the ground.

“We also had some medieval jousters this year, who were very good. The children really enjoyed the Punch and Judy show.”

Beyond the more bizarre attractions, the fete boasted inflatable slides, rides and crazy golf.”

Revellers were also treated to competitions, including a raffle, tombola and hoopla.

Prizes included Whitehall Garden Centre vouchers and a bottle of Whisky.

Despite heavy rain in recent weeks, the weather was not a disappointment.

Mr Anderson said: “The weather turned out brilliantly. It was looking overcast in the morning, but about five minutes before 2pm, the sun made its appearance.

“It was perfect weather and many of us faced sunburn, which we had not expected. Everybody who turned up seemed to have a thoroughly good time.

“We’ll have to start planning for next year now.”