CELEBRITY patrons headed to a Cheshire farm to help raise funds for charity.

The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, were joined by a whole host of famous faces at its annual family fun day on Sunday, September 20.

Patrons John Bishop, Jason Manford, Lee Boardman and Jennifer James were joined by long-time supporter John Thomson, all of whom brought their families and friends to support the charity which is close to their hearts.

Knutsford Guardian: John Bishop with a slippery friend

The Adventure Farm provides holidays and daytrips to terminally ill, disabled and disadvantaged children from all over the north west, they need to raise £1million each year to keep their doors open to children in desperate need.

This year’s event was the busiest yet and attracted around 1,000 visitors, raising £5,500 for the charity.

Visitors were kept entertained throughout by attractions such as children’s fairground rides, face painting from Elmscot Nursery Group and crafts from Evolution, plus a host of stalls and games including hook-a-duck, Name the Bear from Ice Cream Dub, football skills courtesy of Altrincham Football Club and golf from Cain Golf Academy.

Knutsford Guardian: John Thomson, left, and John Bishop

There were animals galore including a fantastic petting corner with Stockley Farm, dog agility/obedience from Creative Action Team and some weird and wonderful creatures from Reptacular Reptiles.

Long-term supporter Roger Green organised model helicopter displays and stunning classic cars.

Radio DJ Mark Blackman hosted the event, introducing live music from 1FOUR1 Band and members of Piccadilly Symphony Orchestra.

Knutsford Guardian: Jennifer James and Lee Boardman with a CAFT guest

Children from Little Belters sang their hearts out, Pastiche wowed the crowds with his illusion show and Catherine Manford ran a fun and interactive drama/singing workshop for the assembled children.

Arena entertainment was energetically lead by Manchester All Stars Cheerleaders.

The charity held their traditional mascot race, seeing Fred the Red from MUFC, Moonchester and Moonbeam from MCFC, Leonard the Lion from Gulliver’s World, Stockley Stan from Stockley Farm and the charity’s own Bobby.

Knutsford Guardian: Charlie Cheadle plays a bit of golf

Girl power won the day as Moonbeam showed the boys how it’s done.

The charity treated guests to a barbecue and a traditional tea room, which was run by helpers from Knutsford Hosts, who were amongst an army of volunteers who manned the various stalls and games.

Many companies and organisations lent their support to the event, including Roberts Bakery, Altrincham Rotary and Jefferies Solicitors to name but a few.

The 99th Garrison sent down their team of Stormtroopers, amusing guests who were delighted to see Darth Vader playing golf and the Stormtroopers on the fairground rides.

Pippa Watton, fundraiser, said: "This was such a fantastic day which was so well supported, we were delighted to be joined by so many visitors.

"The weather was perfect and everyone had a wonderful time.

"We were overwhelmed with the support of local people, businesses and groups who made it a huge success. All of the money raised on the day will help us to change the lives of countless children who are in desperate need of a break."