IT was a case of sunshine and smiles at a County Durham fair this weekend.

The ninth annual Hamsterley Hoppings offered a Sunday Bank Holiday treat of family fun on Hamsterley village green.

The event raised money for Butterwick Hospice, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme and the Howden-le-Wear Scouts’ group.

Activities included fairground rides, a tug of war, a children’s corner and cake-making competitions.

Villagers were joined by 80 vintage cars and 20 classic trucks, which all gleamed in the sunlight.

The Weardale and Teesdale mountain rescue team informed residents about their work, as did representatives from the Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service.

Fancy dress competitions, Morris dancers, a Samba band and a flower and vegetable competition also entertained visitors.

Claire Hunter, chairperson of the organising committee, said: “It has been a lot of hard work. I would like to thank my team for all their support. It has been very rewarding.”

This year the event honoured the memory of Hamsterley-born Capt. Richard Holloway, of the Special Boat Service, who was killed by enemy fire while on tour in Kabul, Afghanistan in December, 2013.