MAYDAY bank holiday may not have had the brightest or hottest weather - but that didn't stop people across Suffolk getting out and enjoying themselves.

MAYDAY bank holiday may not have had the brightest or hottest weather - but that didn't stop people across Suffolk getting out and enjoying themselves.

Morris dancers, a Caribbean steel band, birds of prey and a dog show were just some of the attractions at a popular street fair.

More than 3,000 people flocked to Mendlesham, near Stowmarket, for the annual celebration, which raises money for village projects.

The event also featured an art exhibition, a children's entertainer and a bouncy castle along with performances by the East Suffolk Morris Men and a Caribbean steel youth band from Ipswich.

Carolyn Triscott, chairman of Mendlesham Community Council, which organises the street fair, thanked villagers for their support.

“It was an excellent day,” she said. “We were incredibly lucky that the rain held off.

“I would like to thank everyone for their support. The money we have raised will now be used for projects in the village.”

Just down the road, visitors to the Museum of East Anglian life were treated to Mayday events including Morris Dancing and Maypole fun for the children.

And while it's a long way from Constable Country to Borneo, a group of Girl Guides have been ducking and diving to raise thousands of pounds for the trip of a lifetime.

Dedham's second annual duck race raised money for Girl Guides who are heading to work as volunteers in the Far East this summer.

The fundraiser saw hundreds of ducks plopping into the River Stour, with �25 for the person whose entry crossed the line first.

The fundraising will go towards the trip which will see 16 Essex North East Senior Section members head to Malaysia and Borneo.

Once there, they will volunteer on two projects - one working on a sensory garden for residents of an old people's home run by the Salvation Army, and the second working with a conservation organisation called REACH which is replanting areas of rainforest with indigenous plants and trees.

Each member has to raise �2,000 to cover flights and accommodation and to finance regular training weekends preparing for the task ahead.