FILMMAKER Ken Russell was on fine form at Hordle Village Fair at the weekend. The director of countless TV and cinema films such as Lady Chatterley and Tommy was opening his first ever fair as a VIP.

The event, held on the village recreation ground, was the culmination of a week of community events which included a talent show, cricket match and boules competition.

Mr Russell, accompanied by wife Elise, said: "I'm a fete virgin and never done anything like this before.

"They wanted an important person to open this wonderful fete and I'm the 5,000th most important person in Hampshire.

"The other 4,999 are ex-directory."

Born and bred in Southampton, and still living locally, the veteran and sometimes controversial director said that as a boy he would visit Highcliffe and Bournemouth at weekends with his friends.

"In all that time I'd never heard of Hordle before. It's the most invisible village in the county," he joked.

"But I'm very honoured to be asked here today," he added.

The fair, now in its 17th year, has had Radio Solent presenter Julian Clegg and New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne open it in previous years.

"I've heard Johnny Depp is coming to Lymington so we may ask him for next year," said fair organiser Reg Wareham, resplendent in his famous straw hat.

"The aim of the fair is to draw people together and create a village community spirit. That and to raise money for our dream of having a community centre one day.

"We've so far raised £25,000 towards it without intending to and when the time comes will apply for funding such as the Lottery."

Other attractions for the 750 or so visitors to the fair included displays by Poole Dolphins Marching Band, Christchurch Model Flying Club and a novelty dog show.

First published: September 5