CROWDS of visitors to Milton Lilbourne’s annual summer fair were treated to a surprise appearance from Olympic medallist Shelley Rudman on Saturday.

Ms Rudman was there with her partner and fellow skeleton bobsledder Kristan Bromley and the pair generously donated a selection of their Olympic clothing, including their winter tracksuits, to be auctioned to raise funds for charity.

An array of classic motors and Volkswagen campervans also came under the watchful eye of the athlete, who has recently moved to the area, and she got in the spirit of the day by having a go at the coconut shy.

Villagers soaked up the sun and admired Lady Chichester’s camels Therese and Temujin, as well as taking part in the variety of activities on offer, including smashing crockery with golf balls and taking part in a football tournament, which was won by the junior Swindon Supermarine team.

Pooches were not left out either, as there was a dog show which golden retriever puppy Buttons, owned by Safron Brady, won. A cake competition also attracted a number of competitors to display their homemade treats they had lovingly created.

Entertainment came in the form of Show off Dance Display from Tidworth, Bang to Rites Drummers, Durrington Walls Wind Band and there was also Zumba for people to join in with.

Money raised from the fair is still being counted but is expected to be the most the fair has ever raised and will go towards the Prospect Hospice and Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

“There was a record crowd and a record amount of money raised,” said one of the organisers Carol Parsons. “There was lots for people to see, the weather was absolutely fantastic and we had so much support. It was fantastic.

“The two charities are wonderful and so appreciative of all the help we give them and with the new Prospect Hospice being built at Savernake it is a cause very close to home.”