ALDBOURNE youth council’s big fun day at the village’s soccer field proved a huge success.

In contrast to the first event last year, which was virtually washed out, last Wednesday’s activities were blessed with perfect weather.

Adult trustee Andy Devey said people arrived early and left late.

He said: “It was amazing.

“We were due to start at 10.30am, but people were there from before 10am and didn’t leave until we were packing up at 4.30pm. We must have had up to 350 people there .

“There was so much to do. We had a climbing wall, a gladiator duelling arena, a bouncy castle, zip wire, short golf and lots more.”

Phil Smith, Swindon Town’s goalkeeper, came along to lend his support and young fans besieged him with questions about the club and the game.

Mr Smith also drew the first number in the council’s 100 club draw.

The event raised £500 towards the council’s Project X, to buy premises in The Square to use as its headquarters. Mr Devey said: “We need to raise £100,000 – you have to start somewhere.”

The council is already planning next year’s event and is considering picking up Gazette reporter Nigel Kerton’s challenge to stage an alternative Olympics.

Mr Devey said: “Of course the London Olympics will be taking place then and we hope to be offering a lot of activities that are not included in the Games.”