FAMILIES across Swindon and beyond put the fun in fundraising on Saturday as they took full advantage of the summer sun.

Fete-goers, young and old, enjoyed barbecues, got their faces painted and tried their luck at the many raffles on offer.

Highworth Pre-School got the party started early with their annual summer gathering.

Many generations have passed through the playground and classrooms of the pre-school and seen their children go there too. What makes it’s long-running success is all the more impressive given that it is run as a charity.

As such, fundraising events like the summer fete are vital and the local community turned out in huge numbers to enjoy the kids’ activities and the raffle draw featuring great prizes donated by local businesses.

Kelly Preston, chairman of the Highworth Pre-School Committee, said: “We’re charity run so we can’t operate without support and events like this.

“It’s to raise money for trips for the kids and other activities - it’s very popular and I think this is the busiest year so far.”

Kelly paid tribute to the parents who came together to man stalls, drum up interest and put their energy behind making the event a success.

Over in Shaw at Brook Field Primary School, there was a similar message of thanks from headteacher Dan Clarke as the school community filled the school grounds with an action packed summer celebration.

“This is to raise money for our new running track that’s being installed over the summer, and also for a sensory garden.

“The running track was funded by Awards For All through the Big Lottery but the Friends of Brook Field have helped to finance the rest with events like this.

“The sensory garden is our next project - it’s to help support children with their mental health and their social and emotional wellbeing. “It’s a project that we can’t afford without help from the Friends of Brook Field.”

There was no shortage of activities for the Brook Field families to get stuck into with an inflatable go kart track, a Swindon Town goalscoring game, a barbecue, an ice cream van and even a fire engine to enjoy.

Some distance away from the bustling playground at Brook Field Primary, in the open countryside at Braydon, the residents, staff and families of the White Lodge Care Home were settling in for a more relaxing but no less enjoyable affair.

Classic cars, falconry and the Phoenix Brass Band were among the attractions as the summer fete got into full swing in the home’s fantastic grounds.

Activities co-ordinator Emma Constable said: “It’s a chance for our families to get together and have fun, but do a bit of fundraising as well.

“We aim to raise money so that we can’t take groups out on outings in our minibus.

“It also helps to pay for any larger bits of equipment that people want to buy for the home.

“It’s great, we’re really lucky to have a lot of family support.”

One of those family members is Pat Jordan, whose husband Trevor is a resident at the home.

“I enjoy coming here,” said Pat. They’re absolutely wonderful and I’m very happy with my husband being here.

“The staff are very caring and on days like this it’s beautiful.

“These girls put on so many activities and are so caring, it’s wonderful.”