Dad's Army star opens church fete

He could have slipped back into character as the long-suffering vicar he played for so long in the hit television series set in Walmington-on-Sea, but instead he said: "Fetes like this are part of the English tradition - it's the sort of thing Dad's Army would have celebrated."

Frank Williams was the vicar constantly at war with Captain Mainwaring and his Home Guard platoon over their misuse of the church hall.

He became a household face thanks to his work in Dad's Army, but also appeared in other British successes such as Monty Python's Flying Circus, Revenge of the Pink Panther and the Morecambe And Wise Show.

Having done the honours, he took time to chat to visitors to the summer fete and sign autographs while no doubt appreciating the waft of sizzling bacon being prepared outside the hall. Phil Ashwood and Sheila Roskilly were on bacon butty duty together, while on the next table stood plates of fresh scones ready to be partnered with strawberries and jam.

The event featured plenty of stalls, raffles and games, a spectacular but orderly assortment of books and bric-a-brac in the porch at the side of the church, and a selection of antiques and highly desirable household decoration.

Ann Hall of the Mothers' Union was in charge of the produce stall, while Marjorie Brown did a brisk trade with the cake sale, the table displaying irresistible choclate brownies, pecan tarts, orange cake and date slice.

Marjorie said: "It's teamwork here - everybody is full of fellowship.

It has been lovely and we are doing well ... but we should have made more scones."

She was helped by Angela Doddington and Caroline "Smiley" Hernu.

Many of the helpers in the hall were wearing pretty summer hats decorated with flowers to reflect the midsummer madness theme, including Peggy Powell who was looking after Guess the Name.

Meanwhile there was fun for youngsters outside on the lawn including train rides on a miniature steam engine.

Dicky Brown from Eastbourne was driving his five inch live steam and thankful that the rain had held off despite the gloomy forecast.

He was pleased by the interest shown in the train but added: "It is amazing the number of kids who have never seen coal these days. They say - ooh, what are you putting on there to burn?"

Father Robert Coates said: "The fete yet again brings the whole community of St Augustine's together in a great family spirit in order to try and raise money for the support of the church."

The Rev Paul Frostick, sporting what appeared to be Mickey Mouse ears,

added: "People have been working on this for months - the support we get is excellent."