THERE was plenty of fun and games at this year's Tinto Village Day in Symington last Saturday.

And the weather stayed kind for everyone to enjoy the range of activities and stalls at the football club.

The annual event is going from strength to strength, with almost 30 entries in the pet show as well as some impressive costumes in the fancy dress competition.

The fun day continued with climbing wall, digibus, bouncy castle, gladiator challenge, maze, bungee run, mobile skate park, BMX course and face painting.

And once again, this year, the committee was able to offer the activities free of charge having obtained grants from the Clyde Wind farm fund, South Lanarkshire Council and local community councils.

Jane Stevens, from the event's committee, told us: "It was a fantastic day out for the community.

"The pet show was busier than ever with nearly 30 entries. Thanks to Katie Mellanby for judging the show.

"By the time the pet show had finished, everything was set up and everyone was able to enjoy the free activities. The bucking bronco and sumo wrestling proved to be a couple of the favourites with the kids this year and caused much mayhem and laughter throughout the day.

"We are extremely grateful for the funding as it ensures all children get the opportunity to enjoy all the activities.

"Our fancy dress competition had fewer entries this year, but the standard was high. Thanks to Vicky Macdonald and Ailsa Forgie for judging and overseeing the fancy dress and the parade this year, at short notice – it was much appreciated."

The parade started just after 12.30pm with Biggar Pipe band leading the way followed by Biggar Twirlers.

And throughout the afternoon, there was live entertainment, races, netball and football events.

Jane added: "It was fantastic to welcome many more local groups this year, who provided a variety of activities, games and refreshments.

"Some of these were supporting Village Day for the first time and they were very impressed by how busy the day was and how many activities were on offer for families.

"Inside the hall, the Guild provided teas, coffees and home baking. We were also delighted to have Chris Cruise this year as master of ceremonies and the crowd enjoyed the live entertainment all afternoon."

The annual David Dunbar Cross Clyde race also returned at 4pm.

This year there were 32 runners of all ages and it was a closely fought battle with Scott Smith winning the overall male and under 12 races.

Sophie Mellanby, the first female home.

Jane said: "None of this would be possible without the help and support of many people and we would like to thank all those who came on the day, donated prizes, advertised in our programme or entered the competitions. We must also mention Symington Tinto Football Club, without whom there would be no Village Day.

"Finally, we would like to encourage new members to come forward and join the committee.

"Having some new faces this year, with fresh ideas made a big difference to the day and as we move on we need more local families to support the day and help it continue to grow."

Results:

PET SHOW:

Overall winner – Willow (Eve and Isla Storie); Best turned out – 1st Snowdrop (Cate Plenderleith), 2nd Poppy (Matthew Howarth), 3rd Sam (Ava White); Most Obedient – 1st Penny (Emily Duncan), 2nd George (Adam Murphy), 3rd Jake (Ian Cook); Most Unusual – 1st James (Laura Davies), 2nd Buttons (John Murphy), 3rd Lola (Elaine Haston); Cutest – 1st George (Madeline Forgie), 2nd Athusa (Morven Dougall), 3rd Tanzi (Emma Walker).

RAFFLE WINNERS:

1st Anna McCaskie (£150), 2nd Lynn Hardie (£100), 3rd D. Lyon (£50).

FANCY DRESS:

Overall winner – Popcorn and Cinema tickets (Leighton and Scarlet Cowan and Kirsten Laing); Pre-School – 1st Oliver Ronaldson (Cowboy); 2nd Alice Finlay (Flamingo), 3rd Kiera Mayo (Belle); P1-3 – 1st Kayla Gibson (Alice in Wonderland), 2nd Isla Storie (Panda), 3rd Tom Ronaldson (Army); P4-7 – Daniel Ronaldson (Stickman); Groups – 1st Spice of Life, 2nd Mary Poppins,

3rd Incredibles.

DAVID DUNBAR CROSS CLYDE RACE:

Overall male winner – Scott Smith; Overall female winner – Sophie Mellanby; Adult (male) 1st Scott Smith, 2nd Matthew Gilbert, 3rd Mark Foster; Adult (female) 1st Vanessa Hamilton, 2nd Ailsa Forgie, 3rd Jane Shannon; 12-18 (boy) – 1st Cameron Bruce, 2nd Scott Boyd, 3rd Josh Davidson; 12-18 (girl) – 1st Molly Kennedy, 2nd Anna Venerus, 3rd Iona Good; Under 12 (boy) – 1st Aaron Tweedie, 2nd Stuart McCloud, 3rd Adam Murphy; Under 12 (girl) – 1st Sophie Mellanby, 2nd Eve Storey, 3rd Scarlett Cowan; Over 50 (male) – 1st Tom Yellope, 2nd Michael Nisbet, 3rd Patrick McGinn; Over 50 (female) – 1st Heather Davidson.