IT WAS ice creams all round at the Selby War Memorial Hospital summer fair on Saturday as visitors enjoyed glorious weather.

The fair, which takes place in the hospital grounds in Doncaster Road, was opened by Hazel Cannon, the wife of local comedian Tommy Cannon.

Mr Cannon had been due to open the event, but cried off at the last minute after being offered two gigs in Spain.

This is the third year that the fair, organised by the Friends of Selby War Memorial Hospital, has taken place.

Margaret Hewer, chairman of the friends, said: "It was absolutely brilliant. The setting in the hospital grounds is wonderful and the weather could not have been better.

"We have ordered the same again for next year!"

About 600 people attended the fair, which raised £1,700, slightly down on last year's figure.

All the money will go back into the hospital to benefit its patients and pay for much-needed equipment.

Highlights of the afternoon included a magic show and bouncy castle, plus music from a live jazz band.

There were 20 different stalls at the event, manned by different hospital departments and local charity groups, providing everything from cakes and plants to bric-a-brac and face-painting.

The hospital's catering department also chipped in, providing hot dogs and burgers to satisfy hungry stomachs.

Margaret said: "I could not have organised the fair without the help of David Jones, from Selby Lions, Julie Corbally, the hospital's new administrator, and Jan Aspinall, who is also on the hospital's staff.

"We plan this event for at least eight months beforehand and it was such a relief when it all came together on Saturday.

"It won't be long until we are starting to plan next year's event."

Updated: 14:20 Monday, June 09, 2003