IT might have been a slightly smaller affair this year, but the Studland Country Fair was all the better for it.

That was the view of Martin Churchill, one of the organisers, as he watched hundreds of people stream in to the fair throughout the weekend.

Bright weather helped and some of the keenest fair-goers were queuing up to get in hours before the gates opened.

Among the attractions was Corfe Castle-based sheep shearer Billy Kinghorn and his village farm.

Families and children were delighted as they visited the pens of geese, rabbits, turkeys, hens and other farmyard favourites.

Taking centre stage were remarkable fleeces, some brightly dyed, produced by Billy and his sheep.

At the other side of the arena a collection of owls were wide-eyed as they watched the fun from the safety of the Wessex Bird of Prey Rescue enclosure.

A red-tail buzzard and a common buzzard sat side-by-side with a giant European eagle owl and a cute little owl.

Once in a while a few brave souls ventured forward to try out the line dancing sessions provided by Rompin' Stompin', while others were happy just to wander around the stalls, amusements and refreshment tents.

The country fair has been going for 16 years and Martin said: "It is a little smaller and more manageable this year - it is more of a country-style show and we believe we have got it about right now.

"What we raise will go towards the Studland village hall rebuilding. We should be able to donate about £2,000."

The second day of the weekend fair brought a car boot sale to the field on the outskirts of the village.

First published: August 22