VINTAGE cars, terrier racing and a car boot sale will be among the highlights set to attract up to 5,000 people to Verwood Rustic Fair on Bank Holiday Monday.

The event, run by the town's Rotary Club, will once again be taking over Potterne Park where visitors can expect a whole raft of traditional country pursuits and attractions.

Rotary club chairman Vernon Harris said: "We are once again doing the rustic fair and it will be in a similar format to previous years.

"The terrier racing, which proved very popular last year, will this time be held in the arena and we have two demonstrations by a martial arts king who will be chopping bricks in half and involving a lot of audience participation.

"Then we have the things people have come to expect from us like the vintage cars and the games and the music - this year we have Verwood Concert Brass and the Riverside Jazzers performing. There will also be plenty of stalls, craft demonstrations and a beer tent, plus other refreshments."

He added: "This is our tenth year of doing it and it still always proves popular. I think it's because it's traditional that keeps people coming. It's what they know and love and they come to find their friends and make new friends.

"Verwood has grown so much and new people are arriving and the fair gives them the opportunity to get involved with the town.

"We usually get between 3,000 and 5,000 fee-paying people and with the weather forecast looking reasonable we are expecting another good turnout."

The fair officially opens at noon and goes on all afternoon. The entrance fee has been kept at £1.50 with all proceeds going towards local and rotary charities.