CROWDS of people flocked to the Ringwood Festival of Rugby and Ale.

Hoards of rugby fans met at the Raymond Brown Memorial Ground in Parsonage Barn Lane in Ringwood to enjoy the 10th annual festival.

With no league rugby over the Easter period, the diverse crowd enjoyed the spring sunshine at what was the club’s biggest and most successful event so far.

More than 30 teams competed in fancy dress for the various touch rugby trophies – while the supporters enjoyed the 30 different real ales and the 30 different ciders that were on offer.

And there was a real mix of players on the pitch, some very experienced while others were giving it a go for the first time.

The event is now the second largest annual event in Ringwood – and has become part of the fabric of the town.

The touch rugby teams travelled from as far as Wales and Worcester to compete against teams from more local clubs across Dorset and Hampshire.

Club chairman Peter Pearce said: “It’s events like this that make us such a special rugby club.

“We’ve had over 50 volunteers that have helped to organise the festival, which has provided a great day out for people.”