CELEBRATIONS were held across the South Hams to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Towns and villages threw parties and events, decked their communities in red, white and blue and thoroughly enjoyed the momentous occasion.

Plans to hold the Ivybridge Jubilee Party in Victoria Park were changed due to the wet weather and the celebrations moved to the Watermark.

But the great British summer weather could not dampen spirits as hundreds enjoyed the party on Tuesday.

Town Clerk, Lesley Hughes, said: 'We were delighted that virtually all the activities transferred seamlessly into the Watermark.'

The whole building, including the library was transformed, with an activity or entertainment in every space; Playbus activities went into the atrium, the monoprint workshop and childrens entertainer moved into the Library, crown making and lucky dip was set up in the IT suite and the Henlake suite became the church hall with helpers providing cakes and refreshments.

The main hall became the marquee/ picnic area with the entertainers performing on the stage as planned throughout the afternoon and evening.

Lesley said: 'Thanks to Ray and Jan for continuing with the barbecue outside the building, which was raising money for the Mayors Charity (The RBL Poppy Appeal) and also to the fairground rides for persevering.'

Winners of the crown making, poetry and jubilee mug design competitions received their prizes from the mayor Cllr Trevor Parsons and the cake made by Ivybridge Community College was cut with all joining in the singing of the National Anthem, led by Sandys Songbirds.

The only loss to the day was the fire and police cadet display as it was unsafe for them to do the mock demonstrations because of the heavy rain.

South Brent

Various street parties were held across the village, which was a sea of red, white and blue and bunting, with residents enjoying live music and the party atmosphere.

South Brent Parish Council held a civic service on Sunday morning at St Petroc's Church.

Following the service South Brent Primary School's youngest child was invited to unveil the granite obelisk in Wellington Square, which included the latest jubilee dates.

Brixton

The Jubilee celebrations in Brixton began on Friday with a street party at St Mary's Primary School, where the children wore red, white and blue.

A folk concert was held later that evening in St Mary's Church, with singer Sarah McQuaid, and the Foxhound pub kept the locals happy with a beer festival.

On Sunday St Mary's church held a community service where representatives from many organisations within the village attended.

The big street party was held on Monday afternoon in Old Road. Tables were laid out along the whole length of the road.

A fancy dress competition was held and many took part in team games in the Feoffee Park for the children.

Then it was the turn of the adults, with more egg and spoon races and balloon carrying races, as well as several tug of war heats.

Music was provided by the 'Rock of Ages' band who played throughout the evening.

Yealmpton

People descended on Kitley House Hotel for the village party on Monday.

A stunning array of picnics, rugs, tables, chairs and gazebos lined the gardens and a range of games, activities and entertainment were enjoyed by all.

Parish councillor Tim Stone said: 'It was a stunning day and at one stage there was around 500/600 people enjoying the festivities.

'I would like to thank Kitley House Hotel for opening their facility to the public for the day.

'I would also like to thank everyone who turned up for the celebrations on what was a wonderful occasion.'

Kitley was again the venue for the classic car show the following day. The bells rang out in celebration of the Jubilee at 2pm.

Ermington

The playing fields of Ermington were a wash with red, white and blue on Monday for a special village fund fun day.

The celebrations started with the procession of the Prince and Princesses. Over 500 people attended the event and enjoyed performances by professor Dan Bishop with Punch and Judy.

Many slipped off the greasy pole, Sumo wrestled, had tugs of war and enjoyed other games.

Several local bands entertained with a variety of music that ended in the evening with the Jamieson Blues Band.

All proceeds go towards the project of repairing and extending the village hall and the purchase of the adjacent field, to create a communal garden.

Newton and Noss

The Big Lunch on Noss Green and classic car/motorbike rally was a great success on Sunday. Live music from local bands was enjoyed by all and a rounders was played through the rain.

Monday's Yealm Yacht Club 'sail past', was a huge success with over 100 decorated boats taking part.

Beacons were lit later that evening at Wors-well Farm and the 'Old Tea House', Beacon Hill near Membland.

Cornwood and Lutton

The whole community of Cornwood and Lutton came out in force to celebrate at Oak Park, home of Cornwood Cricket Club.

The event was opened by Lutton resident Edna Carleton, who was recently awarded an MBE for her services to charity.

Hundreds of people picnicked around the boundary and were kept entertained by a cricket match between Cornwood and Lutton residents.

The prize for the best picnic patch was won by the 'Three Queens', Marilyn Sharp, Brenda Gregory and Janet Bates.

A group photograph of all the children present was taken, and prints will soon be available for collection at the Cricket Club (contact Nick Goodliffe on 01752 837111 if you wish to receive a copy).

The Royal Navy Volunteer band provided further entertainment and songsheets were handed out for some rousing patriotic songs.

Avonwick and North Huish

Residents celebrated with a garden party on Saturday.

Marigold Seager Berry opened the grounds of Black Hall to host the very successful celebration.

The house was beautifully decorated and there were lots of activities for the children.

Organisers were delighted with all the entertainment on offer, saying: 'We were treated to a fine display by the Dartington Morris Men, and the Torbay falconers showed off their splendid birds.

'To mark the special day Commemorative glasses were given to the prize winners.

Holbeton

Holbeton enjoyed an entire weekend of party and celebration.

The formal opening of the gala took place outside the reading rooms with a 21 gun salute and peal of bells from All Saint's Church later that evening.

Some exciting moves were seen at the community barn dance at Cross Park Farm, Battisborough Cross on Saturday evening.

The main event was held on Sunday with the 'Big Lunch'.

With a wedding taking place on the same day, it proved to be a real party atmosphere.

Monday saw the Holbeton dog show at Battisborough Cross, before a highly entertaining carriage driving demonstration.

Later in the day a flotilla canoes, kayaks, dinghies, surfboards and rafts made their way from the Green Gates at Holbeton Point down the Erme to Mothecombe beach.

Diptford

Diptford's celebrations took place on Saturday with the children congregating at the Parish Hall in their 'Kings and Queens of the World' fancy dress outfits.

The winners were: Elioise Lunt and Jago Degraeve (both four years old), Riley Lunt and Sophie Howerth (seven years old) and the over 10s competition was won by Mollie Wynne and Jess Gopal.

Commemorative jubilee mugs were presented to all the children.

When rain became torrential everything moved to the parish hall where the party continued.

Tables, chairs and remaining food were cleared away in record time and transported down to the hall by willing volunteers.

The fun continued into the evening, with the traditional childrens' games, such as musical chairs keeping everyone amused.