A lucky purchase from eBay is helping to give a traditional village fete the sweet taste of success.

Organisers of Crudwell Strawberry Fayre have bought a Strawberry Sam costume from the internet and teenagers from the village youth club are modelling the outfit to promote the event which will involve the whole village on July 12 and 13.

Cathy Butcher from the organising committee said: “We decided that a mascot would be a good way to promote the Stawberry Fayre and we were lucky enough to find one on eBay that was being sold by a juice bar.

“If we had bought a new one it would have cost hundreds of pounds but even though this was still a considerable outlay for us we thought it worthwhile as we could use it year after year.

“We thought the youngsters would like him.”

Strawberry Sam has been out and about in Malmesbury handing out leaflets and will be on hand on the day pointing visitors to different attractions.

Last year hot weather helped the village raise £5,000 for church funds and organisers are hoping for warm, dry weather once again.

Strawberry teas will be served between 10.30am and 5.30pm on the village green on both days and 500lbs of strawberries are expected to be consumed. There will also be stalls and sideshows.

On Saturday evening from 7pm a sizzle and swing event will be held featuring the JJ Swing Band. The ticket price of £5 in advance or £6 on the night includes a sausage in a roll and either a soft or alcoholic drink.

Money raised will be used to renew the lead on the porch roof of the church. At the moment the village is without a vicar but curate the Rev Sarah Wyman will be at the fair.

Mrs Butcher, who is also a churchwarden, said: “We have been without a vicar since October but we are advertising and hope to have a new person in place soon.”

The Strawberry Fayre is a good advertisement for the village as everyone takes part either serving the teas or buying the produce.