THE sun was out and the crowd was brimming with excitement on Saturday as the South Ribble Lions helped to make Longton Village Fete a 'roaring' success.

After being cancelled last year due to a lack of interest, the fun-filled event at Longton Recreation Ground on Liverpool Road attracted crowds of almost 2,000 people.

There was entertainments galore and everyone enjoyed themselves, especially watching the colourful procession which included a staggering 300 people!

For the young ones there was a five-a-side football tournament and a host of organised games while mums, dads and other relatives enjoyed a range of stalls and a relax in the sun.

With the aim of making the Spring extravaganza bigger and better than ever before the 10 Lions' organisers had a lot to smile about after raising £1,000 with cash still coming in.

Lions member Eric Barker said: "Longton's summer fete is important to the people in our village both as a social event and as an opportunity for many local charities to raise money."

Fellow Lions member Geoff Evans added: "We had a lot more support from the local businesses and charities.

"Overall the day went extremely well and everyone was very happy. We hope to be involved again next year and make that fete even bigger and better than this year."

Charities to benefit from the fete's proceeds include the Scouts, Rainbows, Longton Community Church, RNLI and Multiple Sclerosis.