All the fun of the fair at Romaldkirk's big day

A NORMAN Cornish print worth hundreds of pounds was among the donations for a village white elephant stall.

The work by the acclaimed mining artist was given by a villager to the organisers of Romaldkirk Fair with a reserve of £200 – even though the painting was believed to be worth much more.

The generosity demonstrated the warmth locals had towards their historic fair, said one of the organisers, Anthony Nixon. He added: “The person who donated the painting said they didn’t like it anyway – they felt it was too bleak. They were happy for it to go on the white elephant.

“It went very early for the asking price. Thanks to the generosity of the donator and the diligent research of Sue Simpson.”

The fair raises money for Romaldkirk and Cotherstone churches.

“Last year we raised £2,240 despite awful weather so we’re hoping to beat that,” said Mr Nixon who has lived in the village for four years and says he was “roped in” as an organiser.

“It has been around for a long, long time and started as a horse fair until it became too raucous and was stopped. It was revived as a church fair. It’s a really big fundraiser for the them.”

Stanhope Silver Band performed, along with the Romaldkirk-based Rumold Morris Dancers. There was also children’s fancy dress, plate smashing, a steam engine, tombola and a dog show. The event was opened by the High Sheriff of Durham, Caroline Peacock. Perhaps the luckiest children at the fair were Nathan and Lucy Walker-Wall – their dad, Kenny Walker, runs Barnard Castle shop Chocolate Fayre which had an ice cream stand there.