THOUSANDS of show goers have helped to raise big money for local good causes by flocking to this year's Heveningham Country Fair.Up to 9,000 people defied a bleak-looking weather forecast to sample the delights of the popular event, which was held yesterday at Heveningham Hall, near Halesworth.

THOUSANDS of show goers have helped to raise big money for local good causes by flocking to this year's Heveningham Country Fair.

Up to 9,000 people defied a bleak-looking weather forecast to sample the delights of the popular event, which was held on Sunday at Heveningham Hall, near Halesworth.

In the end a few showers after lunch failed to deter families, who were entertained by a host of events including a Wild West show and Samba band.

When the event started in 1996, it was more akin to a village fete. Now about £50,000 in proceeds is distributed each year to local good causes.