GEORGIAN characters, dancing and food descended on Andover as the town celebrated its history and heritage.

The Shilling Fair returned on Sunday for its third year, with plenty of entertainment for people of all ages to enjoy.

Regency dancers, horse and carriage rides, and donkey trips were among the attractions on offer to transport Andover back to the 1830s to honour its heritage.

The event also saw The Time Ring become a hive of performances from the likes of the Duke Of Wellington’s Dancers and Morris men and women, with one visitor enjoying the entertainment so much that three hours were spent watching the variety of acts.

Visitors were given the chance to take part in one of the free heritage trails which brought the town’s history to life.

For youngsters The Artroom made creations replicating Stephenson Rockets - an early steam locomotive, there were also bushcraft activities.

Barbara Long, who has spearheaded the fair alongside Jenny Atherton, said: “The fair went very well, it was busy and bustling, with a wonderful atmosphere. We had more people than we had last year and the year before.

“Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.”

She added: “When we created the event two years ago we wanted something that would be equivalent to Romsey’s Beggars Fair, Winchester’s Hat Fair and Stockbridge’s Trout ‘n’ About, there was nothing happening in Andover that was equivalent to that.”

On the day there was also the chance to pick up a shilling pin, which replicated those created in the town in yesteryear, and to enjoy a pie which proved popular with the crowds.