FARMERS and their families celebrated the end of the foot and mouth crisis at Christian Malford fete on Saturday with a country bumpkin theme.

Fete committee chairman Kevin Bolter said: "We had a whale of a time. We were blessed with a nice bit of sunshine which always helps."

He said the village fete usually took on a particular theme and this year had chosen country bumpkins because it would help get the message across that farming is still surviving.

"We're quite a farming community and now that foot and mouth is behind us we wanted to celebrate that."

There was a cow pat competition, but the real surprise was a comedy double act by two villagers dressed up as a pantomime cow, which managed to pour a pint of milk through its udders.

Mr Bolter estimates more than £2,000 was raised, which all goes to local groups.

Villagers had the chance to show off their wares in the local produce and craft marquee.

All the groups that took part in the fete, such as the WI supplying the homemade cakes and the local school serving teas, got a share of the proceeds.

"Regardless of what they do, everyone who takes part gets an equal share," said Mr Bolter.

He also thanked his wife Theresa for her help with organising the event.