Art attack

Sutton s annual arts and crafts weekend failed to tempt as many visitors as usual leaving organisers wondering whether they should change the dates after 37 years. Organisers of the event found themselves competing with Ely s French Market and Etheldreda

Sutton's annual arts and crafts weekend failed to tempt as many visitors as usual leaving organisers wondering whether they should change the dates after 37 years. Organisers of the event found themselves competing with Ely's French Market and Etheldreda Fair and Cambridge's Strawberry Fair on Saturday resulting in money raised for the church funds being around £400 lower than previous years.

St Andrew's Church warden, Ray Stephens, said: "There were noticeably fewer people through the door and now I think we have got to sit down and consider whether we should change the dates.

"We have held it on the same weekend for the last 37 years but we found ourselves competing with other events."

The event, which took place from Friday to Sunday, attracted only seven craft stalls after artists decided to take part in a craft fair at The Maltings, Ely instead.

But although there were fewer artists displaying paintings, more works were sold this year than in previous year.

The event raised £1,100 for church funds.

TOY STORY: Elizabeth Flemming, from Littleport, with one of her dolls.

Photos: HELEN DRAKE