IT has happened every summer for the past 50 years – and it shows no signs of slowing down.

Children’s Week brought together around 70 children from the villages of Soberton and Newtown for five days of games, songs, activities, craft and learning about God. The week is organised by St Peter's Church, Soberton, and Holy Trinity Church, Newtown.

The activities were centred on Soberton village recreation ground, but also involved raft-racing and a picnic on the River Meon and a final celebration in Holy Trinity Church, Newtown, on the Friday evening.

And it was fitting that the person who initially launched this annual event, the Rev Roger Moseley, was there on that Friday evening to help mark five decades of fun-filled Children’s Weeks.

One of the organisers, Gill Gray, said: “For five days the children of Soberton and Newtown – and a few from further afield including, we’re delighted to say, from Ukraine – had a fun and varied week they will never forget.

“On Friday, the children, parents, grandparents were invited to Holy Trinity, Newtown to celebrate the week and to proudly show off and share all they have achieved.

“The models were displayed in the churchyard and the children walked into church with their adult and teenage helpers, their heads held high. Each group did a brief presentation, we sang, we prayed, we thanked key people and helpers and, most of all, we thanked the children themselves who had all been amazing.

“The vicar when this started was the Rev Roger Moseley, and he was able to join us on the Friday evening at Holy Trinity! Clearly moved by the energy and longevity of his idea 50 years ago, he shared with the congregation his thoughts and his delight at being with us.

“The three cheers for him and his fabulous idea and efforts literally raised the roof. Our thanks, Roger – your inspiration has touched many children’s lives and continues to do so.”