HEAVY rain greeted Stoke Climsland Parish Church summer fete last Saturday on the village green but it failed to dampen spirits — stalls were moved inside the marquee and the church, and a wonderful day was had by the many who came to enjoy all that was on offer.

Star of the event was Betty Stone, aged 7, who won the chance to be VIP for the day. Arriving in an Aston Martin, Betty declared the fete open and Crystal Palace FC manager and Stoke Climsland resident Neil Warnock presented her with a special rosette.

Betty, who lives in the village, had won a competition to find an idea to help enhance the lives of children there. The competition was launched by the church in support of the 'Year of the Child 2009', an occasion that marks the 30th anniversary of the UNICEF International Year of the Child.

Betty's winning entry centred on having a children's library at the Old School in the village, with a café for adults and books and toys for children to borrow.

The Old School, at the centre of the village, is considered to be an ideal place to site such a great idea and both the church and the trustees of the Old School are looking forward to working with Betty to see how her idea might work in practice.