Ross resident Laura Pugh is stepping up and organising a September event which hopes to be fun for all the family.

Plans are being put in place for a classic village fete at St Mary’s Church in Ross on September 3 from 11am to 3pm.

A number of food stalls have already been booked, with the majority of items being locally produced.

Laura told the Gazette: “I’m so excited and the support I have had from everyone I have approached has been humbling. I already have a few stalls booked and thrilled that the majority are local people with locally produced items.”

There have also been a number of craft stalls which have already signed up. Visitors will be able to enjoy a crochet stall as well as handmade jewellery and wax candles.

Kids will be able to enjoy face painting, and a bouncy castle. There will also be cake, strawberries and cream, and a Pimms tent.

Laura is also excited about having a number of classic village fete treats including local Morris dancers. She’s even gone to the extent of borrowing a selection of old-fashioned games such as splat the rat.

Laura’s currently on the lookout for raffle and tombola prizes, those able to make a contribution can get in touch.

The classic village fete event is also raising money for a number of good mental health causes. Laura said: “I’m hoping it’s going to be a good old fashioned village fete, not only fun, but raising awareness of this vile hidden illness; any funds raised will be split between Herefordshire Mind, our local Samaritans, and a local girl Sarah Williams who is a member of my mental health support group and is raising money for a much-needed wheelchair. As you can probably tell I’m super excited and scared witless.”

Those wishing to help with the fete in any way can get in touch with Laura by calling her on 07802672278 or emailing [email protected].

Others in the community might now Laura from her mental health and wellbeing support group which also takes place at St Mary’s Church Hall in Ross-on-Wye. Open sessions are: Mondays from 9.30am to 11am, Thursdays from 6.30pm to 8pm, and Fridays 11.30am to 1.30pm. The ethos of the groups is that “a broken crayon can still draw beautiful pictures” and “that no matter what life throws at us we have got this.”

The classic style village fete hopes to put a few smiles on faces as well as raise some cash for some good causes.