Toothill turned out in force for the first-ever community festival to celebrate its £1m lottery win.

The area, in West Swindon, was among the first 50 in the country to benefit from the Big Lottery Fund, which is investing up to £200m over the next 10 years to turn 150 urban and rural neighbourhoods into better places to live.

Saturday’s event, funded by a small proportion of the windfall, saw the village centre and Toothill Primary School packed with more than 500 local residents as they shared their ideas of how to spend the money.

Local businesses, live music, a police van and fun fair rides, were among the entertainment available throughout the day.

Pam Pixton, community development officer for Swindon Council, said she had been amazed by the turnout.

“It went wonderfully – the people of Toothill really came out,” she said.

“We’ve had so many people give us ideas on how to spend the money and everyone is really interested. And the sun was shining on us so it was a great day.”

Tina Mackie, chairwoman of the steering committee comprised of the local community, said: “It was absolutely brilliant – there were more people than we were expecting.

“I’m very, very pleased with the turnout and with the input and ideas we have had.”

Ward councillor Steve Wakefield said: “People say to me that Toothill doesn’t really have a community – well, I think this proves otherwise.”