Barkway Market has visitors cooing over cute alpacas

Scores of people turned out for a scorching market day in Barkway to raise funds for charity at the weekend.

The market was opened at 10am by village school headteacher Sharon Brown and some of her pupils.

Later on Royston Town Band serenaded guests, there was a well-supported singing workshop in Barkway Church, and a guess the number of balloons competition in the Barley and Barkway school bus.

The alpacas from Yew Tree Farm at Anstey were also a big attraction on the day.

Edwin Kilby, responsible for the event’s publicity, said: “The market is an occasion when Barkway village really pulls together – we’re grateful to the volunteers from the village who helped on the day, whether taking gate money, looking after the car park, or the early morning brigade who helped stall holders find their pitches – without them, the market simply couldn’t happen.

“It was a gloriously warm day and it felt as if summer had finally arrived. That also meant lots of smiling faces and a wonderful atmosphere.”

Barkway Market raises money for various local good causes including the church, school and village hall.

Tom Wornham, who chairs the market organising committee, is stepping down after nine successful years.