The surreal vision of a massive lime-green stag racing a six-foot bear wearing a cowboy hat was one of the highlights of the hugely enjoyable and successful inaugural Withycombe Rugby Club Summer fete.

Thousands, including town crier Roger Bourgein, passed through the gates on Saturday to raise �3,510 for the club thanks to activities including donkey rides, stalls, an auction, tombola, raffle, bouncy castle, stocks and live music.

But the undoubted highlight on the event at the rugby ground was the much-anticipated face-off between Crealy Adventure Park’s mascot, Buddy the Bear, and The World of Country Life’s ‘Appy Angus.

Mark Long of the club’s committee said: “It was very successful – to raise more than �3,000 was amazing.

“I think we will be doing this every year.”

The money raised will go towards buying equipment for the club, including a kit for the junior team whose which membership has increased from 20 last year to 100 this year.