CROWDS flocked to Sutton Park on Sunday as the Fun Day again increased in popularity.

Volunteer organisers of the event believe this year’s turnout might have topped 5,000 people from South Craven and the wider area.

People of all ages were treated to attractions including a fairground, dog show, donkey rides, duck race, more than 40 craft and fundraising stalls, and the Swing Cats’ Lindy Hop and swing dancing demonstrations and workshops..

The fun day is organised by Sutton Village Committee, whose chairman David Harrison-Young said: “The day went very well. The weather held off, which was fantastic. We think we got more people than last year. We had a steady stream of people.”

Mr Harrison-Young said that despite extra pitches being provided for stalls, they were all booked up well in advance.

He said: “We had nearly every community group in Sutton, and stalls from a few small craft enterprises. Local businesses came.”

Participants included RSPCA, both Sutton primary schools, Kildwick scouts, Sutton’s Green Hut Theatre Company, and for the first time Lothersdale Young Farmers.

Mr Harrison-Young said the fairground this year had new rides, including the two-month-old Cliffhanger, that were correct recently used for filming of the TV show Don’t Tell The Bride.

He said: “We look for quality rides and we keep the prices cheap. We try to make the fun day for everyone, and cater for the teenagers.”

Mr Harrison-Young paid tribute to volunteers who helped, such as Whack A Rat organiser Tim Walshaw, Rosemary Thompson and her refreshments team, events coordinator Christine Young, and George Barrett and his Dalesman Dog Psychology for taking over the dog show.

A host of villagers donated home-baked items for the refreshments tent.

Mr Harrison-Young also thanked Adam Birks, who worked almost non-stop over the entire weekend setting up for the fun day and clearing up afterwards, and events coordinator Christine Young.

Mr Harrison-Young said: “There is so much for people to do in the background. Without these volunteers who come forward, there would be no fun day.”

Anyone wishing to help with next year’s fun day should visit Sutton Village Committee’s Facebook page.