A LOWER Wensleydale village bucked the national trend for cancellation and held a successful outdoor event.

The annual Constable Burton summer fair and duck derby held on the last Sunday in August had to be somewhat reduced in size this year with many activities altered or omitted.

With a 1960s theme, many guests entered into the spirit of the event by revisiting their youth in many different guises. The ducks were on dry land and instead of being raced down the beck were somewhat ignominiously drawn out of buckets – but no complaints were received from either runners or riders.

To handle social distancing and safety, the event was not advertised to the wider public. Despite this and while the final figure for the funds raised is still to be confirmed, it will be in excess of £400. This will be divided between the village Reading Room and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Event spokesman George Tomlin MBE said: “Our thanks go to local businesses and individuals who, in these difficult and uncertain times, donated generously to the event.

“Hopefully, by next year, we will be back to a ‘full blown’ summer fair and a ‘wet’ duck derby but in the meantime the spirit of our community shone through yet again.”