Brisk bidding at the meat auction helped boost proceeds from St Keverne Band's annual ox roast last week to around £5,000.

Opened by Henry Bosustow MBE, who has been involved with the band for over 50 years, the event was a success from beginning to end.

Before the official opening, the crowds gathered in the village square stood in silent tribute to former band member Vicki Porter, who died in a car crash in June.

Auctioneer Tony Harris attracted strong interest for the early cuts of meat, with the first slice sold to Brian Tennant, of Helford, for an impressive £200.

Other bidders were only slightly less generous and band manager Alan Retallack said it had been one of the best auctions for many years.

The entertainment continued into the evening, with the players making their traditional torchlit procession through the village before giving a concert in the square.

Band spokesman Chris Broscomb said: "The ox roast is our major fundraising event and we are delighted with the way it went.

"The band would particularly like to thank everyone who helped clear up at the end of the evening."