Defying very indifferent weather a large crowd turned out at The Oakley Club on Sunday to enjoy an afternoon of entertainment and raise £500 for the village's netballers.

The crowd were entertained by some sublime harmony singing from the Harwich Sing's younger 'NexGen' group and by the energetic stick-smashing and boot-thumping provided by the happy band of the Leading Lights Morris Dancers.

To follow this, 60's revival band 'Stuck in the Sixties' continued the revels, playing their way through a succession of hit songs from that era.

A huge raffle and top quality barbecue food provided by Oakley cook and parish council chairman, Dave Attrill, contributed to the fund-raising – with proceeds going towards improvements to the netball courts.

Organisers of the event commented: “It was a great afternoon of fun and entertainment and we are very appreciative of the folk who helped with the event and those who came along and enjoyed themselves”.