THE Three Churches fete at Melcombe Bingham has started a tradition that organisers hope will continue for many years to come.

Oscar-winning screenwriter, actor and playwright Julian Fellowes opened the fete and invested 12-year-old Timothy Williams as the first ever Lord Bulbarrow.

The title comes with one square foot of land in Nottinghamshire, a kitty of £30 and the knowledge that all members of the Three Churches Fete committee must tug their forelocks whenever he passes.

Timothy accepted his crown and robes with all the dignity due to his new office and then ran off to try and win the ‘How many sweets can you in eat in 20 seconds?’ competition.

Visitors to the fete had a glorious afternoon dining on the hog roast supplied by a local rare breed enthusiast, being entertained by a fabulous re-enactment group who fired their cannon twice during the afternoon and by a wonderful display of birds of prey swooping over several of the younger members of the audience.

There were activities and stalls and afternoon cream teas, as well as the Wincanton Silver Band and an auction of promises that raised over £1,000.

Fete committee chairman Julie Kendrick said: “This is one of the most successful fetes we’ve had.

“We decided to try a few new things this year and they have been really well received.

“My thanks go to everyone who worked so hard to make sure everything ran smoothly”