IN spite of the uncertain weather, thousands of people turned out for this year s Royston Charity Kite Festival on Sunday. And the displays thrilled the crowd of 3,500 around the arena on Therfield Heath as the kite experts went through their routines. T

IN spite of the uncertain weather, thousands of people turned out for this year's Royston Charity Kite Festival on Sunday.

And the displays thrilled the crowd of 3,500 around the arena on Therfield Heath as the kite experts went through their routines.

These ranged from Stafford Wallace and his delicate Indian Fighting Kites to the almost balletic display from Team Spectrum.

The event was opened by Richard Spendlove, of BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.

The day began under grey clouds and drizzle and ended with a heavy shower - but in between it was perfect weather for the displays with plenty of wind for all the experts to display their skills.

As the weather improved the crowds built up.

Ken Charles, one of the organisers, said at the end of the day: "The weather certainly had an impact this year, but those who were there enjoyed the event."

He said the planning and running of the event had been "a great team effort" from the members of the Rotary Club of Royston.

"A lot of people and a good many companies make a significant contribution to the success of the day," he said.

As in the past, The Crow sponsored the prizes in a competition for children's kite-making.

The competition was judged by Crow editor Les Baker, the deputy mayor of Royston Cllr Rod Kennedy, and Jennifer Collard, president of the Royston Lions Club.