THE return of the Cradley Produce Show after an eight-year absence proved to be cause for a major community celebration.

The show, at Church Stile Farm on Saturday and Sunday, was staged with help from the National Lottery and raised funds for the village hall.

The produce show, which had more than 60 classes, opened with a Chinese Lion Dance and there were also flamenco dancing demonstrations and a special triathalon - with tractor tyre tossing, beer drinking and sausage eating, and fancy dress relay - to keep visitors entertained.

And a little bit of magic was brought to the fair thanks to local magician Stewart Paul, who performed his 'Guillotine Illusion' as well as other tricks.

Ferret racing, a raffle, Punch and Judy, performances by the Cradley Village Players, a barn dance, a grand musical allsorts concert and jazz-jive dance rounded off the packed event.

Organiser Joy Jerkins said around 400 people turned out to enjoy the weekend: "I would hope we have raised enough money for the hearing loop system with enough left over to put back into the community," she said.