A FRIENDLY gathering of around 150 villagers celebrated the Golden Jubilee in traditional British style in Mathon on Sunday - at the village pub.

The Cliffe Arms, in the centre of the village, was bedecked with flags and bunting and decorations. Stalls and sideshows were set out in the garden, while a PA system was set up and background music played throughout the afternoon, giving the event a party feel.

The hot sunshine meant the ducking stool and stocks were very popular with the children, while the adults enjoyed the pig roast, cream teas and stronger refreshment available inside.

Parish councillor Richard Thomas said the event had been organised "by the parish for the parish, as a way of giving something back".

Invitations were hand delivered to every household in the village, and every child aged 18 and under was presented with a special commemorative Jubilee mug, with the Queen, the Jubilee crest and Mathon printed on them.

Mathon Horse Show, the Women's Institute and Mathon Church all organised various cake and craft stalls, the horse show raising money for local charities.

"All in all, it was really good," Mr Thomas said. "Obviously it was a beautiful day, so people were feeling good, and it was very low-key and relaxed event which had a nice, village feel."

He added that the traditional village fete attractions of coconut shy and skittles - which were loaned by one of the village's octagenarians for the occasion - were the most popular.

He also paid tribute to Phil Jenkins, landlord of the Cliffe Arms for allowing it to be the centrepiece of the celebrations.