HUNDREDS of people braved the threat of wet weather on Sunday to snap up beautiful blooms at a garden fair that will help boost outdoor learning at a special school.

The plant sale at Rowdeford School, Rowde, near Devizes attracted a huge crowd to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the school’s extensive grounds.

In addition to looking for bargains among the many plants people young and old were able to make friends with petting animals, have their faces painted and enjoy a big variety of refreshments.

Rosie Berry, from the organising committee said: “Over 1,100 attended the 14th annual Garden Fair in aid of Outdoor Learning at Rowdeford School.

“The weather was kind, which meant only those clearing up after 4pm got soaked, and the plants were being snapped up very quickly.

“The Devizes Air Cadets did an amazing job under the direction of their CO Barney Wiles, not just helping stallholders unload their plants before the Fair opened at 10am but also with guiding the hundreds of cars that came pouring in from the A342.”

Entertainment was provided by a jazz band and there was face-painting and Mad Pete, a children’s entertainer from Pewsey.

Foxglove & Ginger from Calne and Olive & Stuff provided some delicious food, as did Bromham WI with teas and cakes, and the Rowdey Cow with ice cream; there were also hot dogs available and drinks from the Pimms tent.

Mrs Berry said: “There was a wonderful atmosphere throughout the day and someone was heard saying it was Wiltshire’s Chelsea Flower Show. At the time of going to press a final figure of the amount raised has not been announced but it is hoped it will at least equal last year’s which was about £11,000.”