SOAP star Kelvin Fletcher, who plays Andy Sugden in Emmerdale, took time off from the farming life to turn the clock back 100 years at a Victorian fair. Kelvin was guest of honour at the event in Helmshore yesterday which was organised by the Haslingden branch of Soroptimists International.

Visitors donned period costumes, along with those manning the stalls and games on the primary school's playing field.

Prizes for the best dressed "Victorian" adult and child went to Maureen Kelly-Hewitt and Howard Jones respectively, and there was period entertainment from a pied piper, magicians, fire eaters and the Britannia Coconutters. There was also a donkey derby.

Among the visitors were the Mayor and Mayoress of Rossendale Councillor David and Mrs Denise Hancock. The event raised money for a variety of local charities. It was organised in conjunction with local magic show Casino Productions.

Soropotimists spokeswoman Sheila Townson said: "For the first of its kind in the village and considering the weather wasn't as bright as we'd had hoped it went very well.

"Everyone enjoyed themselves and that was the important thing. Kelvin stayed a good two hours signing autotographs and having his picture taken."