DOWNTON Abbey creator Lord Julian Fellowes and his wife Emma are to open a Weymouth garden party.

Flagship fundraiser The Rose Garden Party will be held at St Edmund's Church, Weymouth, on Saturday July 11 from 1pm.

Lord Fellowes will crown the 'Rose Queen' Grace Norris and the fun will continue through the afternoon.

This year will also see a licensed bar for the first time, along with the much anticipated return of The Green Barrows wheelbarrow display team.

Making his debut at the garden party is model-maker Philip Warren.

Philip has made the entire Royal Naval Fleet from wooden matchboxes and matchsticks.

There will be a wide variety of stalls and activities at the party, including jewellery, plants, bottles, a spiderman children's obstacle course and a barbecue.

There will also be a judo display, the Dorset for Singing choir led by Ed Hintze, majorettes and the Juno Belly Dancers. Entry is free.