1948 Olympian steeplechaser Geoff Tudor opening the fete.

Northam Lodge’s annual summer celebration is opened 1948 Olympian Geoff Tudor.

THE SUMMER fete at Northam Lodge had a very special opening by a 1948 Olympian.

Geoff Tudor, who now lives in Bude, ran in the 3,000m steeplechase with only six months of training in the 1948 Olympics in London.

Mr Tudor competed in the heats of the event, but having only run three steeplechases before he did not get any further.

Annabel Cope, of Northam Lodge, said: “The day was very successful and the sporting theme continued with performances by the North Devon Gymnasts and a Ju-jitsu Group.

“There were more stalls than ever and the food on offer, by way of a cake stall and a barbeque, proved as popular as last year.

“The sun shone all day and overall £1700 plus was raised for the charity.”

Northam Lodge offers services to people with learning or physical disabilities.

The next event will be a Christmas Fayre held on November 24 in Bridge Hall, Northam.