ASHTON Gardens will be alive with the sounds of all the fun of the fair on Monday.

The Supporters of Ashton Gardens Group have organised a fun day and garden party to raise funds for the gardens.

Family favourites the Roly Polys and singer Linda Nolan will put in appearances during the day which begins at 10am.

The stalls open at noon and Postman Pat will be on hand to welcome younger visitors. Heats for fun races, including the sack race and egg and spoon race will begin at 12.30pm - the finals will take place at 4pm. In between the races, judging will be carried out on the best-dressed teddy bear competition and there will be a line-dancing exhibition by Going Country.

Music will be supplied by the GRE band who will perform. Organiser Barbara Pagett said: "We've had a lot of support and generosity shown by local people and businesses resulting in lots of gifts for the stalls. One local businessman has gone as far as to arrange and pay our public liability insurance.

"The best dressed teddy bear competition has a wonderful limited edition prize from the Toy and Teddy Museum and it is open to both children and the not-so-young.

"We've been very lucky getting it all arranged. Fingers crossed for a great day - hopefully it won't rain."

Programmes for the day cost 50p and include entrance to the races and the programme draw.

All funds raised on the day will be used to improve the appearance of the gardens.

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