THE sun broke through the clouds for a spectacular afternoon of big top entertainment at Hilperton School fete on Friday afternoon.

Headteacher, Sue Haldane said: "We were so miserable at lunchtime as we thought it would pour all afternoon, then it suddenly cleared and we were blessed with perfect weather."

Hundreds of pupils, parents and supporters of the school turned out for the event and everyone wore fancy dress to go with a circus theme.

Mrs Haldane said: "We had two weeks of circus studies at school before the fete, and it gave us a brilliant theme to work with.

"Everyone pulled out the stops and dressed up and because all the stalls and the circus skills the children had learnt tied in with the event, it lifted everyone's mood and got us excited about the end of term."

The children ran their own stalls, and enjoyed games, bike rides and a barbecue.

The event raised more than £1,000 for the Parents and Friends Association. Mrs Haldane said some of the money would perhaps be invested in seats and benches, as part of a big programme of development of the school grounds.

Mrs Haldane said: "It was the first time we'd held the event on a Friday but we many more helpers and were done and dusted by 6pm, leaving the rest of the weekend to recover."