SUNSHINE and soaring temperatures brought out the crowds to Manea Gala on Saturday which was billed as one of the best free shows in Fenland.

The popular annual event began with a parade of floats starting from the primary school, with the prize for the best float going to the village Brownies complete with brownie uniforms from days gone by.

BBC Radio Cambridgeshire presenter Jane Smith performed the official opening ceremony at the S M Guy Memorial Field and she presented prizes for the best float and to winners of the art competition.

One of the organisers Graham McDonald said: “It went brilliantly, the weather was very helpful to us and the fly-past by the Spitfire was a jaw-dropping moment. We don’t know yet how much we raised but if we counted the profit in the number of smiles then we will have done very well indeed.”

Money raised during the day will go to benefit village organisations including improving security on the playing field.

Fun in the arena was provided by racing sheep, dancing sheep, Soham Majorettes and dancers from Manea Primary School.

Elsewhere on the field the entertainment included fairground rides, a Punch and Judy show, archery, classic cars and motorbikes, a climbing wall, stall and displays. Chairman of the gala committee Tom Savage took along his travellers’ wagon.

The grand draw included prizes of �100 cash and an all inclusive trip to Le Toquet in France for two people. As a finale to the big day there was a family disco and barbecue in he village hall.