THIS year’s annual country fair and open day at Kingston Maurward College went ahead in true English summer-style weather this weekend.

Despite many of the planned events having to be cancelled due to the heavy rain, the ‘A Taste of Summer’ open day held yesterday at the college near Dorchester still pulled in the crowds.

Principal at the college Claire Davison said the organisers focused on the main feature of the open day, which was providing new students the opportunity to talk to tutors about courses in the various college departments.

There was also a wedding fair, a national floristry competition and displays and a hospitality marquee for supporters of the college.

Unfortunately, cooking demonstrations from top chefs Jamie James, Bib Gourmand, Matt Davey and Masterchef’s Jez Barfoot had to be cancelled, alongside a farmers’ market and other outdoor attractions.

Ms Davison said: “We weren’t able to do everything that we wanted, which was a shame.

“But we had lots of students that will be starting in September coming in with their parents, which was a great opportunity for them to get to know their college a little bit better.

“In that sense, it was hugely successful with more than 200 people coming in.”