A COVID-compliant Vintage, Antique and Militaria Fair in Petersfield Festival Hall was a great success, says its relieved organiser.

About 40 stall holders turned out to sell a wide range of historic goods attracting hundreds of visitors.

Everyone in the hall off Heath Road wore either masks or visors, and there were hand-sanitiser stations through out

The fair, put on by Buriton resident and antique shop owner Sara Hughes, was the first public event in the Petersfield Town Council-owned building since the lockdown came into force on March 23.

She said: “This was a huge gamble for me, but it was a great success.

“About 500 people arrived over the six hours we were open, but fortunately not all at once.

“We checked their temperatures, asked them to scan the track-and-trace QR code that had been done specifically for the event, and made sure they were all wearing masks and sanitised their hands before they were allowed in

“The town council were very supportive and helpful in getting it up and running, as they too need the income.

“Social distancing was in force, and it has given both the council and me the confidence the rules can be followed in safety.

“There were a lot of happy stallholders, as for many of them this was the first opportunity they had to sell since my February fair here.

“And most of them had a very good day and have rebooked for a similar event in December.”

See next week’s Post for more photos from the fair.