THE rain might have been pouring down but spirits remained high at the annual Turton fair yesterday.

Hundreds of visitors braved showers at Turton Tower to enjoy a dog show, a New Orleans brass band performance and the May Queen procession.

They also browsed dozens of stalls, which offered everything from ice cream to chocolate for dogs.

Younger visitors had a go on the bouncy castle, had their faces painted and enjoyed a Punch and Judy show.

The tradition of holding a summer fete in Turton dates back 200 years but stopped during the 1930s.

Then, in 2007, the Friends of Turton Tower revived it.

Chairman of the group, John Grove, said: “I am really pleased with the turnout despite the damp conditions.

"We’ve got lots of couples, families and dog walkers calling in to enjoy the entertainment and it’s lovely for community spirit.

“Our sub group have done a wonderful job to organise this event. They’ve adopted a real show-must-go-on attitude.”