RESIDENTS in Atworth spent Saturday out on safari to raise funds for the village children.

They took part in the Atworth Village Safari from 11am to 4pm, with 42 locations throughout the village being involved.

Organiser Jeremy Langley said: “The Atworth Village Safari was created in order to raise money for the village youth groups.

"This is its second year and unlike last year, which was a series of garage sales.

"This year the Open Village aimed to open up as much of the village as possible – it’s sometimes amazing how we can miss the treasures on our doorstep.

"Highlights of this year’s Safari included our little Village Museum, which for many residents and visitors was a first visit, the children’s flower displays at St Michael & All Angels Church and the beautiful open gardens across the village.

"Add to that 30 sale sites, with bargains ranging from pick-up trucks to kid’s bikes and superb refreshments across the village, including a village barbecue at The White Hart, and pop-up cafes at the Youth Club and Shell Court, and plenty of attendees were able to enjoy a full day out.

"Atworth has a vibrant community with many clubs and activities, and an active community-minded pub, but even with all that, it can be hard to make new friends and discover your own village.

"The Safari means we get to open our homes and gardens to neighbours we may never have met, discover our own village and make new friends as well as pick up a bargain on the way.”

Trail maps were on sale at £1 each on the day from Shell Court, the White Hart pub, Atworth Youth Club and the Village Museum. Among other activities, there were garage sales, craft stalls and a village treasure hunt.

Residents and visitors were also able to browse open gardens, a table top sale, tombola, look at vintage cars, enjoy a charity breakfast from 9am to 11am, and the evening barbecue at the White Hart.