Startright puffs ahead despite the weather

But supporters of the Startright Under-Fives Pre School are made of stouter stuff.

Sunday afternoon might have been miserable outside in the grounds of St Stephen's Church but with a 10,000 fund-raising target before them, the organisers were not going to give up easily.

With the exception of rides of the scale model steam traction engine, the moved the fair into the church hall - including the bouncy castle!

The playgroup need the 10,000 in order to create a secure outdoor play area. Fund-raising has just been given a major boost with a generous 3,250 gift. Startright were among 18 local good causes to be included in a 50,000 hand-out at last week's annual graduation ceremony at the United Arab Emirates' technical training project at Wartling Drive.

As the wind roared outside, Sunday's scene in the church hall was one of activity. The cake stall had been well-stocked with home-made fare. There were toys to buy, a plant stall, tombola, lucky dip and DVDs and videos.

Outside, Elaine, the quarter-scale working model of the century-old steam traction engine The Royal Chester had the lawn to itself for an unexpectedly unrestricted course for joy-rides on its trailer.