AFTER 150 years the tale of Alice in Wonderland is still capturing the hearts and imaginations of youngsters and on Sunday the mayor of Marlborough hosted a tea party to celebrate.

Families gathered to see characters, including the white rabbit, hop out of the pages and brought to life in the Priory Gardens to entertain those who relaxed in the sun with picnics.

Mayor Margaret Rose wanted to mark the milestone anniversary of the book being written by Lewis Carroll by bringing members of the community together to enjoy a day of fun and laughter. She also created her own white rabbit using a wire base, which she then decorated, to entice passersby in the High Street to join the enchanted tea party.

Actors from Marlborough Young Actors and dancers from the Marlborough Academy of Dance and Drama dressed up in costumes with Alice, The Mad Hatter and Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum all making an appearance.

Coun Rose said: “Before I was mayor I had this romantic vision of an Alice in Wonderland party, to actually make it come true and have everybody enjoying themselves in the Priory Gardens, it was absolutely amazing.

“Everybody really enjoyed the gentile atmosphere and for me it was also about celebrating 150 years since Lewis Carroll wrote the story.

“Anna Friend was the artistic director and had an amazing input, with the actors dressed-up in amazing costumes and acting the part to all the picnickers. You had all these little tots and rabbits and then the boys doing a Mad Hatters’ routine.”

The event also raised £100 for the mayor’s charity which is The Brain Tumour Charity.

Coun Rose added: “It really came off so well. The weather was kind to us and it was wonderful to see so many people relaxing and having a family picnic and watching the dancing and acting.

“I would also like to sing the praises of the Marlborough Town Council’s groundsmen, you can’t put something on like that without the backing and support.”