AN OPEN-air summer fair is being billed as the biggest and brightest extravaganza in the history of Warndon, Worcester.

A festival of fun in and around the Glover's Needle pub, Windermere Drive, will bring young and old together, say organisers.

Hundreds are expected at the event on Sunday, July 1 and organisers anticipate raising between £5,000 and £10,000 for the County Air Ambulance.

There will be visits from the County Air Ambulance, the Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, the police, the deputy mayor of Worcester and the Worcester Warriors at the spectacular fund-raiser, which runs between noon and 6pm.

Highlights include fancy dress, a balloon race, steel band, a fashion show, live auction, and mini farmer's market.

Other activities include a pet corner, kite and basketball demonstrations, dance demonstrations, hairdressing, a mini farmer's market, jewellery stalls, a pool contest, a steel band, jugglers, clowns, and a town crier.

Jacqueline Meeson, aged 46, who has a background in radio and promotions, is one of the organisers together with licensee Caroline Perry, 40.

Mrs Meeson said: "We want to bring the community together. The older and younger generations sometimes seem to be at loggerheads. Perhaps, through this, they will realise they can get on. Not only are we raising money for the air ambulance but it's to bring back community spirit and let people see that fun can be had for all ages.

We want even more prizes. It is the biggest thing that has ever happened in Warndon. This is the first one but we hope it will happen annually from now on."

The pair are also organising a separate event - the Tour De Warndon bike ride - on August bank holiday which will include a beach party, an alcohol-free cocktail bar for youngsters and a portable swimming pool. This event will also run between noon and 6pm.

Any cheques should be made out to the West Midlands Air Ambulance and organisers are still looking for more financial support from residents and businesses.

Stalls are available from £35 and all proceeds from the day go to the air ambulance.

For more information or to see how you can get involved, ring Jacqueline Meeson on 07835 210096 or Caroline Perry on 01905 757643.