HISTORY enthusiasts turned back the hands of time as a popular biennial festival returned to a north Dorset village.

The Echo-backed Milton Abbas 18th Century Street Fair returned today (Saturday) with the promise to be bigger and better than ever before.

More than 150 stalls lined the streets throughout the village, which were heaving with stallholders selling their wares.

People also embraced the traditional spirit of the popular event and were dressed head to toe in 18th Century costumes.

Alison Heptinstall visited the fair for the first time this year with her husband Stephen and children Laura, 8, and 11-year-old Gemma.

The Poole resident said: “I saw the fair mentioned in a leaflet from the children's school and thought it looked like a lovely day out. The fair has a great atmosphere and there is so much for children to do.

“It's been fantastic to see everyone in their 18th century costumes."

David Mully from the nearby village of Hilton was performing poems and stories at the fair and said he had been visiting the biennial event for 14 years.

Youngsters from the village played their part in a Children's Procession and Performance, with this year's theme being nature.

Following the children's performance, a storyteller followed St James Shelf behind the church with stories for the young and young at heart visitors.

Emma Snow from Puddletown came to the fair with her two daughters Flora, 5, and eight-year-old Evie.

She said she was there to help the Cheselbourne Village School but her children had really enjoyed the fair and the 'fabulous' village characters who were dressed up.

Prita Charmely, a member of singing group Wild Thyme, had also been performing at the fair for 10 years and said the fair was boosted by a 'beautiful valley setting' and 'welcoming atmosphere'.

A variety of products were up for grabs at the fair, ranging from handcrafted bird and insect boxes, beautifully crafted wooden clocks, basket making, handmade Gallianai Glass jewellery, straw marquetry and even a Pyrography stall.

There were demonstrations including blacksmithing, Dorset Button making, lace making and hurdle making, with the famous white thatched cottages also open to be viewed.

Dancers ranged from Morris, Clogg, historic and Steps in Time, a group of young people performing dances from the 18th Century, plus Handbells, a Dulcimer, opera singers and a Raconteur.

Dave Morley, chairman of the organising committee, said the fair aimed to recreate the flavour of a country occasion using costume, rural crafts, entertainment and craft demonstrations.

He added that he hoped those who had visited the fair had joined in the spirit of the day while supporting local good causes, which also benefit the communities in the surrounding villages.