OPTIMISM for the future was the keynote at Hatherleigh Country Fayre on Monday, as the horror of the foot and mouth crisis was replaced by the fun of competitions, stalls and games.
The event, organised by the community hall committee and cricket club, was opened by Anthony Gibson, regional director of the NFU.
He told the crowds enjoying the Bank Holiday sunshine that in his view, the corner had been turned from foot and mouth, but that new outbreaks in Northumberland showed how careful the rural community should still be.
Races, whether in sacks, with egg and spoons or on foot were the order of the day for the competitive.
There were treasure hunts, a bottle stall, guess the weight of the cake and a bar to quench the thirsts of the most enthusiastic visitor.
Mayor of Hatherleigh Cllr Dennis Bater said: 'It went very well. We had lovely weather and everybody thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
'Anthony Gibson was there and said if anyone needs luck, it's Hatherleigh.
'Let's hope we can go on to better things from here.'