A NUMBER of fresh, new attractions will be on show as the Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre near Lifton opens its doors for the new season.

Prominent among the new features is a shooting gallery from the early part of the 20th century. It was donated by retired fairground show people, Freddie and Rosie Thomas of Plymouth. Mr Thomas travelled with Whitelegg's Fair for more than 50 years.

The shooter was acquired from showman Mushie Brett, and is thought to be more than 70 years old. It was purchased from Mr Brett at Tavistock Goose Fair in 1955, Freddie and Rose always admired it, and so were pleased to have the chance to buy it. It was used with Webley Air Rifles and cork shooters.

A cork shooter is simply a spring loaded air rifle with the lead pellet substituted by a small cork.

The object of the game was to hit a prize and knock it off the shelf.

Typically in the 1960s and 70s, prizes were boxes of sweets.

Freddie and Rosie's son Chris is a well known and talented fairground artist and responsible for many of the well known artwork seen on fair grounds from the 1970s to the present day.

Chris has restored the front of the shooting gallery. This has been a labour of love and Chris has carried out the work as a volunteer at the centre.

Also new for this season is a 1950s Mini Waltzer, children's ride and a bank of 1960s American Printables, part of a fairground arcade.

The centre is open from Thursday to Mondays, inclusive of everyday of school holidays.