ORGANISERS of the open day at the ‘ghost village’ of Imber on the Salisbury Plain were overwhelmed with around 10,000 visitors on Saturday (August 19).

Some people spent hours queuing in the hot sun and no shade for one of the fleet of 25 red London buses and around 10 guest vehicles.

A spokesperson for the Imberbus company that runs the classic vehicles used for the open day said it was a “record-breaking” year with in excess of £38,000 raised for charity.

Wiltshire Times: Lord Peter Hendy of Richmond Hill and Imber, who coordinated the Imberbus service, was all smiles on Saturday. Photo: Trevor Porter 70089-10Lord Peter Hendy of Richmond Hill and Imber, who coordinated the Imberbus service, was all smiles on Saturday. Photo: Trevor Porter 70089-10 (Image: Imberbus)

Mr Skelton, who works as a volunteer with the Churches Conservation Trust, said they had taken around £6,000 at St Giles’s Church.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill and of Imber in the County of Wiltshire, said: “The Imberbus team were amazed at the number of people who came to the event this year, bringing us record-breaking attendance as well as funds raised for charity – in excess of £38,000.

“We’d like to thank everyone who came and spent the day with us at Imber. Some of the queues were a lot longer than in previous years and the patience and understanding of all who joined us is very much appreciated.

"We welcome any feedback and will be reviewing how the event went so that we can improve the experience for attendees next year.”

St Giles's Church will be holding open days again from Friday, August 25 to Bank Holiday Monday, August 28, from 11am to 4pm.