Sheep racing, a funfair and an art and fashion show were among the array of attractions at Oaklands College Summer Fayre on Sunday.

More than 7,000 visitors celebrated summer at the college's Smallford campus, in Hatfield Road, which came back bigger and better than years before with more stalls including food from around the world, arts and crafts, charities, live music, and a fun fair.

Crowds were also drawn to the falconry displays, sheep shearing demos, the stilt walkers, sporting games, tug of war, steam train rides and the dare devil children’s entertainer Rob Kilburn, who entertained children with his tricks fire breathing displays.

Zoe Hancock, college principal said: “We were really delighted with how successful our Summer Fayre was this year, and have had some fantastic feedback.

“We think it is really important for the College to be at the heart of its community and hope that this year’s event, which had more going on than ever, demonstrates it.”

Oaklands College students and staff added to the highlights of the day with an Art, Fashion and Design show, pony rides, tank rides, brickwork demos, face-painting, and performances from the Music and Performing Arts students.

Proving very popular with visitors, and a new addition to this year’s line-up, was the sheep racing which saw three different breeds – Suffolk, Kerry and Texel – take part in a hurdle race drawing large crowds. There was also an array of stalls selling everything from hand painted glass to jewellery and locally produced honey to spicy chutneys.

A number local charities including St Albans and District Cats Protection, Royal Veterinary College, Riding for the Disabled Association, Oxfam, Royal British Legion, RLNI and the college’s very own Springfield department, which is raising funds for a hydrotherapy pool, also attended.