ILMINSTER party-goers refused to let the rain dampen their spirits as they celebrated the town's biggest annual community event.

Emma Jane Taylor, one of the event's four organisers, said: "On the whole it went very well. We had a good turnout of people and 20 plus community groups had stalls fundraising.

"South Western Ambulance service were doing resuscitation and defibrillator demonstrations. We are about to have public access defirbillators installed in the town.

"We could have done without the rain, but it definitely didn't dampen our spirits. We had an oki koki and a big conga and a time walk. A good time was had by all."

Community groups were not charge for pitches and the event is organised to break even so all the profits can go to worthy causes. All the bands agreed to perform for free.

Fundraisers for Jake's Wheels are understood to have raised more than £100 and the Mayor's charity also raised nearly £100.

As well as live music and charity stalls, the event hosted a tug of war, a strongman demonstration, hobby horse racing, climbing wall, bouncy castle, tombola, and darts.

"Thank you to CND who gave us a lorry and Mitchell's. The town council allowed us to use the recreation ground and thank you to Yeovil Hire Centre as well," Mrs Taylor added

"I also need to say a big thank you to the other event organisers, Matt Sainsbury, Andrew Lawson and Helena Jones.

"We have already started making plans for next year with some of the bands offering to play again and we are looking to expand the children's play area."