GREAT Dunmow Primary School ran its annual summer fete – but with a twist. The school broke away from the traditional fete routine to provide a fun picnic and sports day for the whole family. Chair of the friends association, Mel Casey, said: We stripped

GREAT Dunmow Primary School ran its annual summer fete - but with a twist.

The school broke away from the traditional fete routine to provide a fun picnic and sports day for the whole family.

Chair of the friends association, Mel Casey, said: "We stripped it back to basics and tried to do something a bit different.

"The idea was to get families to hang out and spend some time together. Also, because of the current economic climate, it was also designed so that families didn't spend as much money."

Despite the new-look theme, the event still raised around �2000 towards the school's coffers. A raffle, which included a top prize of a Nintendo DSi, raised �700 on its own.

Alongside the picnic opportunity, visitors could enjoy cream teas, tombola, bouncy castle and a tug-of-war.

There were also a number of races held throughout the day, including a parent-children wheelbarrow race and a mum's sack race.

"The day worked really well - we had good weather, it was a lovely atmosphere and we still managed to raise some funds for the school," added Mrs Casey.

"It is definitely something that we'll be looking to develop for next year.