THE annual Saltash May Fair was a huge success with the crowds turning out in the weekend of fine weather to support the various events.

The official opening by the Mayor, Bryan Preston, took place on the Saturday morning in Fore Street, which had been closed to traffic for the day.

The mayor led a parade through the town accompanied by the Mace Bearers and Saltash Town Band, the guard of honour for this year being the Kernow Tae Kwondo Self Defence Club. They were followed by 200 young people from local youth organisations.

The mayor was welcomed by the May Fair chairman, John Poole, who thanked the traders, pubs, businesses and clubs who had supported the event through advertising and sponsorship. In turn the mayor praised the town's young people and those who had organised the fair over the past 24 years.

The cup and certificate, given by Saltash Rotary, was presented by the mayor to the town's 2001 Citizen of the Year, Peter Carvell. An active member of the community he belongs to the Scout movement, being District Commissioner and assistant County Commissioner for training, a former May Fair chairman and still serving on the committee, and a member of Saltash Wesley Church.

The mayor also presented a cup to the Young Citizen of the Year, chosen by himself, who was Steve McLean, a 15 year old member of the Live Wire Youth Club based at Waterside. The mayor said that Steve had been helping with the club and was always there as a volunteer helping out in many ways, including the setting up of the new sound studio.

The Peter Stephens cup for the best entertainment award went this year to Saltash Town Band, who were congratulated by the mayor on their recent success in winning the South West area finals and now qualifying for the National final to be held in September.

There were many events and entertainments throughout the Saturday, the children thoroughly enjoying a tunnel maze, Punch and Judy, and various side shows, while a touch of the Caribbean was present in the form of the popular Porchester Community Steel Orchestra from Portsmouth.Saltash Fire Brigade gave a realistic demonstration showing fire and rescue techniques.

The winner of the competition for the best dressed stall was run by the Friends of Saltash Health Centre, receiving a trophy and £25. St Nicholas and St Faith Church did a good trade with refreshments and light lunches throughout the day.

On the previous Friday evening two events were held at Saltash Wesley Church rooms. There was an art and craft exhibition, opened by MP Colin Breed, who said the amount of talent on display was amazing. He was accompanied by Mrs Janet Breed and the mayor. The exhibition was organised Miss Ursula Davey and Mrs Chris Wiseman, their being 60 exhibitors and 210 paintings.

Also held was the Saltash Cine and Video Group's annual film show, the audience enjoying the nostalgic news reel of the 1985 and 1988 years, which included the May Fairs when the Saltash carnival also used to be held. Also on the programme was the building of the Saltash tunnel and opening ceremony.

The evening concluded with 'In Search of Poldark', showing the locations where the BBC series was made. Pat May with her dog Kirsty, followed the route, filmed by members of the club, and gave the commentary. The interesting film had won an award in the amateur film making circles. Projectionists were Gerald Dinnis and Alan Barrett, chairman, who welcomed everyone to the event.

Sunday morning was a more hectic time, at least for those taking part in the annual fun run and the half marathon, both events having excellent entries, and being attended by large crowds.

Sponsored by Mills Milk the fun run was started by the National 2001 Milkman of the Year, Annette Hicks of Callington, and for the fourth year in succession it was Colin Bishop who romped home first. A total of 323 runners took part.

There were ideal weather conditions - sunshine with a light breeze - for the half marathon, sponsored this year by Waitrose. There were 130 entries, including 13 French runners from Saint Etienne du Rouvray and its university there. Mohamed Meida from the French contingency won the under 19 title. Of those taking part, 124 finished the course.

The two trophies for the first male and female runners to cross the finishing line were donated by Saltash Trophies, the winners being Simon Anderson of Plymouth in a time of 1:15:58, and Janette Beaton, also Plymouth in 1:35:08.

A 28" Crown Nicam stereo teletext TV was donated as a draw prize by Acterna Ltd of Honicknowle for all the runners taking part, the lucky winners being David Philip Smith of Pelynt.

Half marathon results

Males - Simon Anderson (Plymouth) 1:15:58, Ian Andrews (Exeter) 1:18:27, Jason Pascoe (Redruth) 1:20:15; females - Janette Beaton (Plymouth) 1:35:08, Jayne Reed (Ivybridge) 1:38:43, Sally Myatt (Saltash) 1:38:31.

Males over 40 - Kevin Haywood (Plymouth) 1:29:12; over 45 - Steve O'Carroll (Plymouth) 1:34:40; over 50 - Pete Tabenor (Plymouth) 1:27:14.

Females over 35 - Karen Bradfield (Mevy) 2:04:53; over 40 - Jayne Reed (Ivybridge) 1:38:43; over 45 - Ann Sturtridge (Bideford) 1:56:43; husband and wife team - Keith and Jayne Reed (Ivybridge) 1:31:49.

Under 19s - Mohamed Meida (France); first affiliated team male (Plymouth Harriers A); first affiliated team female (Tamar Trotters); first non affiliated team male (Eat My Shorts); first non affiliated team female (No Entries).