This was the day that villagers declared independence and set up their own government.

Anyone visiting Wolvercote on the outskirts of Oxford had to pay £2 to obtain a passport. Without it, they weren't allowed in.

The stunt was dreamed up in 1987 in an effort to raise money for charity.

Border controls were established, with a sign which read: “Stop — you are now leaving Britain."

Once inside the new state, visitors were treated to a wide range of fun and entertainment, from a grand prix pram race to the Aunt Sally World Cup championship.

Children paraded through the village in fancy dress, while between 70 and 90 people took part in a fun run.

Other events included a pet show, children's races, a fishing contest, an arts and music festival, tug-of-war, a pageant by the Wolvercote-based St Aloysius Players and fun with Nigel the Clown.

About 6,000 passports were issued over the two days The state's “Prime Minister”, alias Peter Hands, of Godstow Road, told the Oxford Mail: “It was a total village effort and everyone had a good time. There was something for everyone. People have been asking if we can do it again.”

It was hoped that the novel fundraising event would bring in between £3,000 and £4,000 for a body scanner for the children's intensive care unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Did they achieve their target? And did Wolvercote hold another independence day?