FALCONRY expert Bob Dalton will be swooping in to show off his impressive birds of prey at this year’s Charminster fete.

Mr Dalton, whose birds recently featured on the BBC for their pigeon scaring tactics at the Watercress Company at Waddock Cross, will be the star attraction at the event in the gardens of Charminster House on Saturday, June 11 from 2pm to 5pm.

People will also be able to get a picture with one of Mr Dalton’s birds.

Co-chairman of the fete committee Andrea Guppy said: “He’s going to come in and have some of his birds of prey on display and he’s also doing a main ring attraction for us.

“We’ve also got the Hot Step dance group which is a local dance group run by Abbie James and the Scottish Dancers from Charminster run by Val Scriven.”

There will be plenty more fun and games for people of all ages to enjoy, including a rally car on show and a new stall attraction for this year’s event called Sleeping Beauty, which offers all things related to sleep and beauty.

There will also be a chance for people to try their hand at the fete’s now traditional woodlouse racing.

Members of the local Women’s Institute will be providing cake and sandwiches and there will also be a fully licensed bar and a barbecue.

Charminster Church will also be open with a display of flowers on show.

More than 1,000 people turned out for last year’s event and the committee is hoping for another impressive turn out this time round.

Mrs Guppy said: “We ask people to please come and support us and view our new attractions for this year.”

The event will also raise money for two very local causes as proceeds go to St Mary’s Church in Charminster and the Village Hall.

Last year the fete raised in excess of £6,700 for the two causes. Entry costs £1 for adults and is free for under 12s.

There is also free parking available.