HUNGRY Wolvercote villagers didn't let the rain dampen their appetites as scores turned out for the annual "big lunch".

The event on the green by the Plough pub in First Turn saw a feast follow a five-kilometre fun run on Sunday.

There was also a bouncy castle, farm produce for sale, workshops, a tug-of-war, a "kids’ olympics" and demonstrations from gardening group Incredible Edible.

The gathering aims to encourage people to have lunch with their neighbours, with a marquee set up for people to grab a plate and fill up on delicious home-cooked food that included dhal, potato and pasta salads, chicken, vegetables, quiche and onion bhajis.

Among the diners was father-of-two Mark Lynas, who also took part in the sponsored run beforehand.

The 43-year-old, of Ulfgar Road, came first in the 35 to 60 age category.

He said: "Quite a few of us who took part do not run around that often, so we were really pushing ourselves to the limit even though it was a bit of fun.

"I really enjoy it, you feel great afterwards."

Mr Lynas' brother-in-law, Steve Ludman, 49, also came along and watched wife Jenny and son Tom take part in the run.

He said: "The Big Lunch is a fantastic event. I think it's lovely that people in Wolvercote have this community and support each other.

"We have been coming here for years but this is the first time we've come to the lunch."

The winner of the run overall was 10-year-old Freddie Jones, who pipped mum Emma Coleman Jones's time by one second with a time of 19 min 37 sec.

Angus Fisher, who planned the race, said about 50 people took part and £150 was raised for FarmAbility, which teaches land skills to adults with learning difficulties.

Mr Fisher added: "It was a good run. We were really overwhelmed by how many people came."

During the day there were on-and-off bouts of rain, leading most people to eat on the green under parasols or umbrellas.

Event organiser Simon Kenton said the weekend's freak weather had made predicting whether they would need more marquees very difficult.

He said: "It has been very stressful leading up to it, but we have got loads of great activities on and the food looks amazing."

Joe Jennings of Incredible Edible was at the lunch offering free cuttings of Rosemary that had been given willow water to help them grow. Willow bark contains natural plant growth hormones which can be used for rooting new cuttings.

Mr Jennings, who lives on a boat moored near Wolvercote, said: "Rosemary is a perfect winter herb and so we hope maybe people can take it home and get ready for Christmas.

"The kids have been quite excited by it, because its something they can take and grow themselves."