JOY and laughter filled the Heath as record crowds enjoyed an action-packed family fun day.

Hundreds of families turned up for Knutsford Lions Jubilee fair on Friday as early morning rain clouds dispersed and glorious sunshine came out.

Children giggled as they somersaulted on a giant bouncy castle and had a go on lots of fairground rides.

Knutsford Guardian: Knutsford Lions Dee Griffiths and Sarah Flannery help children have fun on a bouncy castleKnutsford Lions Dee Griffiths and Sarah Flannery help children have fun on a bouncy castle

Frisbee golf and welly wanging challenged visitors young and old to put their stamina and skills to the test.

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Donkey rides created lots of smiles for little ones as they gently cantered along the grass.

Knutsford Guardian: Bill Baker, Jan Maddox and Yvonne Baker from Canute Lunch ClubBill Baker, Jan Maddox and Yvonne Baker from Canute Lunch Club

Local charities and organisations raised funds and recruited new members as they ran stalls dotted around the showground.

Knutsford Guardian: Civilian instructors Steve Benson and Stephen Pester, Fl Sgt Max Risley, Corp Lydia Risley, Corp Jonah Murphy, Cdt Fiona Armstrong and Sq Ldr Will Taylor from Knutsford Air Cadet SquadronCivilian instructors Steve Benson and Stephen Pester, Fl Sgt Max Risley, Corp Lydia Risley, Corp Jonah Murphy, Cdt Fiona Armstrong and Sq Ldr Will Taylor from Knutsford Air Cadet Squadron

Cheshire K9 Training staged dog obedience and dog agility displays.

And much loved dogs of all shapes and sizes entered three fun dog competitions.

Knutsford Guardian: Oscar and Tillie Clowes with Maggie, who was runner-up in the 'prettiest pooch' competitionOscar and Tillie Clowes with Maggie, who was runner-up in the 'prettiest pooch' competition

Knutsford mayor Cllr Mike Houghton joined BBC broadcaster Mark Radcliffe to judge the three categories.

Dogs were invited to walk around the ring with their owners in a bid to find the ‘prettiest pooch’, ‘waggiest tail’ and ‘dog most like their owner’.

Knutsford Guardian: Naomi Wright with Otto, a working cocker spaniel, who won the 'waggiest tail' competitionNaomi Wright with Otto, a working cocker spaniel, who won the 'waggiest tail' competition

It was the first official engagement for Knutsford Royal May Queen Lily-May Newall, after she was crowned on The Heath last month.

The 15-year-old, who presented prizes to dog show winners, said: “I am really enjoying being May Queen.

“It is quite an honour.”

Knutsford Guardian: Mayoress Kate Houghton, Knutsford Royal May Queen Lily-May Newall and mayor Cllr Mike Houghton Mayoress Kate Houghton, Knutsford Royal May Queen Lily-May Newall and mayor Cllr Mike Houghton

The event was hailed a huge success.

Paul Buttrick, president of Knutsford Lions, said: “It has been absolutely brilliant.

“The sun shone and lots of families came to support us.”

The fair is normally held on the late May Bank Holiday but was moved to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Knutsford Guardian: Beulah Cornes from Brook Street Chapel with grandchildren Casper, seven, Elias, five, and Ruby, 12Beulah Cornes from Brook Street Chapel with grandchildren Casper, seven, Elias, five, and Ruby, 12

“The event was really special this year and we are delighted that so many people enjoyed it," said Paul.

“I would like to say a special thank you to everyone who helped to make it such a success.

“We are grateful to the mayor of Knutsford and Mark Radcliffe for judging the dog show and Knutsford royal May Queen Lily-May Newall for presenting the prizes.

“Special thanks also to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People who organised the dog show.”

Knutsford Guardian: Anna Rimmer, Harvey, four, and Heidi, six, with Ruby, a working cocker spaniel who came third in the 'prettiest pooch' competitionAnna Rimmer, Harvey, four, and Heidi, six, with Ruby, a working cocker spaniel who came third in the 'prettiest pooch' competition

The annual Lions fair has been running for more than 30 years and all the proceeds are given to local charities.

Live music and plenty of food and drink outlets kept visitors entertained and fed as they relaxed in deck chairs.

Enoch’s Hammer Country Dance Band and Birchwood Brass Band performed a variety of popular pieces.

Knutsford’s Tatton Brewery served a selection of special beers.

White Queen, brewed to celebrate the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in April 2011, proved as popular as ever.

Owner Gregg Sawyer said: “It is made from coriander, cardamom and orange peel.”

Knutsford Guardian: Gregg Sawyer owner of Tatton Brewery serves White Queen, a special beer brewed for Prince William and Kate Middleton's weddingGregg Sawyer owner of Tatton Brewery serves White Queen, a special beer brewed for Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding

Families and visitors shared stories about other royal memories.

Knutsford Lion Anita Goldman, who grew up in London, remembered watching the Coronation as as schoolgirl.

Mum-of-two Anita, who has three grandchildren, said: “I was about 12 and one boy and girl from our school had their names picked out of a hat to go.

“I lived in Tottenham and we had to get up really early to get on a coach.

“When the Queen went past in her carriage, everyone cheered.

“It was a very special day.

Knutsford Guardian: Knutsford Lions Mike and Anita Goldman, who watched the Coronation as a young schoolgirlKnutsford Lions Mike and Anita Goldman, who watched the Coronation as a young schoolgirl

“I think the Queen has done an amazing job, serving our country for so many years.

“I really admire her.”