BIGGER, better and busier – the annual Old Town autumn fairsurpassed all expectations on Saturday.

Christ Church pulled out all the stops at its largest community extravaganza to date, with 64 stalls offering more than 400 guests everything from sweets and burgers to jewellery, hand-crafted blankets and vintage treasures.

Little ones were also in for a treat with a bouncy slide, hook-a-duck and dozens of other games and fun activities.

While the church played host to gifted performers from local schools, exhibitors and charity fundraisers took advantage of the recently-opened community centre as well as its grounds.

By 2pm, queues had formed as hundreds of visitors continued to crowd into Christ Church.

The event’s record attendance was warmly welcomed by the Rev Simon Stevenette.

“People are having fun and there is a lovely buzz,” he said. “It’s the biggest we have had and the goal is to bring the community together.

“We are here for Jesus Christ but we are also here to have fun and enjoy life.

“We start planning for next year, tomorrow.”

The fair’s organiser, the Rev Daphne Hardwick, said: “It’s lovely to see so many people here.

“The goal is to become the heart of the community and we are working with and reaching out to the community of Old Town.

“It’s about the church being a meeting place. People have an idea that churches can be off limits and stuffy places. But the church belongs to everyone, so we want everyone to enjoy it.”

First-time visitor Kelly March, a mother-of-two from Rodbourne, was impressed with the array of activities available, as was her four-year-old daughter Isabel.

“It’s our first time here,” Kelly said. “It’s brilliant for little ones and Isabel is really enjoying it.

“She went on the balloon slide and is going to do decorate a cupcake.

“My son Harry is nearly five months and he has been looking around at all the sights.”

Pam Barker, of Old Town, said: “It’s a lot busier than we expected. There is so much for the children to do. It’s great.

“We come every year and we will definitely keep coming. It’s getting bigger every year.”