THE streets of South Marston came alive with the colours of red, white and blue as belated jubilee celebrations went off with a bang.

Villagers spent months raising more than £3,000 to stage the extravaganza on Saturday and it was well worth the wait.

The festivities kicked off with a fancy dress parade led by the South Marston Boys Brigade and Swindon Blubell majorettes with new village rector Greg Baker judging the competition.

Other attractions on the playing field included a dog agility show and pantomime horse racing, where entrants had to tackle an obstacle course dressed as the front and rear ends of a pantomime horse.

The village football team challenged their wives and girlfriends in a comical Kings against Queens match.

Tea was served to senior citizens in the Royal Pavilion while the South Marston Primary School choir sang to them.

In the early evening more than 200 multi-coloured balloons were launched as part of a wacky balloon race.

Former village rector Richard Snow returned to perform with his band Holy Smoke and the celebrations ended with a spectacular firework display.

Jubilee committee secretary Amanda Hancock said: "The whole day was a fantastic effort by all in the village.

"Everybody had a brilliant time and it was worth all the hard work and effort."

Meanwhile the summer sun shone on St Mary's Primary School in Purton for their annual fair.

Saturday's fun included entertainment from Swindon Brass, a pet show, bouncy castle, face painting, pony rides and a visit by firefighters from Cricklade Fire Station.