PEOPLE of all ages made the most of an action-packed weekend in Dorset.

The rain stayed away as families and visitors flocked to popular annual events held across the county.

Dorchester Borough Gardens hosted its 25th Teddy Bear’s picnic while families joined together at Maiden Castle for a big group cycle ride to Max Gate.

After the hugely successful Dorset Knob Throwing in May, Cattistock and Chalmington were at it again this weekend with the two-day Cattistock Midsummer Festival.

While the community of Evershot, west Dorset’s highest village, hosted its annual Country Fair at Moorfields on Sunday.

Summer fun was also in store for those who visited a fun day and fete at Milborne St Andrew Football Club.

Kirsty Hillier, organiser of the big family cycle ride, said 16 riders took part in the Dorchester event which travelled along a new cycle path.

She added: “It was a great cycle and the surroundings were lovely, everyone had fun.”

They enjoyed a picnic at the end as well as the surroundings at Max Gate, home to Dorset’s most famous author and poet Thomas Hardy.

It came as part of Bike Week and after the National Cycle Network (NCN2) route was completed by the Cycle West project, linking two of the county town’s tourist attractions.

Dorchester Town Council has been running the Teddy Bear’s Picnic since 1988 and has entertained thousands of children and their families over the years with free entertainment, games, activities and prizes.

Town clerk Dennis Holmes said: “It amazes me that the Teddy Bear’s Picnic has continued for as long as it has.”

The Evershot Country Fair welcomed visitors with traditional rural crafts, an artisan food producer’s marquee and a range of stands and entertainment.

While the Cattistock Midsummer Festival proved to be a success with crowds flocking to the village to enjoy the event.

The festival offered more than 20 open gardens, more than 10 open studios, the unique church and the stunning William Morris window – and the Cattistock Hunt kennels.

It also hosted a flower festival in the church, organ recitals, bell-ringing, an art exhibition in the Savill Hall, a plant stall and served up refreshments in the form of cream teas and ice creams.