They had planned an extra-special event this year with actress Julie Walters opening the fete and judging the children's fancy dress.

Members of the committee were thrown a lifeline by Kirdkford parish councillors who, with the permission of the football club, loaned them the football ground.

They then worked around the clock notifying entertainers and stallholders and organising posters to advertise the new venue.

Mindy Daubeny, a member of the pre-school committee told the Observer: "We had one working day's notice and it was not sufficient.

"We had all worked so hard to get things right and to be let down at the last minute was awful."

Now Plaistow Pre-School committee members are making their views heard to Plaistow parish councillors.

"This put us out big time," said Mrs Daubeny.

"We were told that we could use the roads and the school playground, but that just wasn't enough space.

"We would have lost half our attractions as well as the maypole
itself which is the whole reason for the fete."

She paid tribute to Kirdford footballers who she said had saved the day.

"This is our main fundraising event of the year – it actually helps to keep the pre-school running and it's crucial the fete does happen."

Organisers were rewarded for their hard work when brilliant sunshine brought a 1,000-strong crowd flocking to Kirdford football ground and they hope they have raised at least £5,000.

"Julie Walters was fabulous," said Mrs Daubeny. "She opened the fete and then watched the children dancing before judging the fancy dress. She talked to all the youngsters and was delightful."

Chairman of Plaistow parish council John Kirby told the Observer: "The parish planning committee looked at the green last week and decided it wasn't up to having vehicles either on the top parish-council owned part or the bottom part which we have a licence from the National Trust to run.

"The pre-school was informed and we suggested that as in a previous year, they should hold the fete on the roads where there is a road closure, in the playground and village hall."

Mr Kirby added: "I walked the village green on Monday night and water came right over my shoes, I believe the parish council made the right decision."