The Whyteleafe Grand Summer Fête on Sunday 3rd July has been declared a great success by the local community. Hundreds of people met up with family and friends to enjoy the entertainment that included gymnastics and boxing displays, performances from local bands, craft-making and a Punch and Judy show. The fête was also a good opportunity for local businesses to promote and sell their products, with stalls selling jewellery, food and beauty products.

Eastenders actress, Lucy Speed, opened the fête saying: "Whyteleafe is very close to my heart as I lived and went to school locally when I was younger. The organisers have done a fantastic job; the bar looks lovely, the hog roast smells great and there is a good community atmosphere."

Local MP Sally Marks said: "This is what the big society is all about. This is one of the best days in the history of Whyteleafe; there is a great sense of community and we have been blessed with beautiful weather. In the past, Whyteleafe has suffered with a lack of community spirit but I am hopeful that, with more successful events like this, that will change."

There was plenty of food and drink available for the visitors, from delicious cakes from the cake stall, a succulent hog roast and even a huge paella cooked by Joe Inacio from the local Spanish restaurant, Costa del Sol. There was also a licensed bar set up by Tom Dempsey of the Whyteleafe Tavern, who is also on the fête's organising committee. Tom was delighted at the huge success of the fête, and confirmed the event will be held again next year, saying: "It was a most marvellous community effort and full credit to everybody from the car park attendants to the litter pickers, stallholders and band members for all of their hard work and we look forward to a bigger, better and brighter fête next year on July 1st.

"The next community event for Whyteleafe will be our Pantomime and we are looking for 12-14 adults to help on the Pantomime Committee."

If you are interested in getting involved with the Whyteleafe Christmas Pantomime, pop in to see Tom at the Whyteleafe Tavern or call him on 01883 626270.