THOUSANDS of revellers partied the night away in Weymouth and Dorchester to welcome 2014.

Heavy rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of partygoers, many of whom turned out in traditional fancy dress to ring in the New Year.

Bars pubs and clubs across the Weymouth and Dorchester area were packed with people having a great time and showing off their costumes.

Church bells rang out to celebrate the New Year in Dorchester as revellers gathered around the town pump, and in Bridport eager partygoers met at Bucky Doo Square before packing out nearby venues.

Live music in the outdoor marquee at Brewery Square in Dorchester had to be cut short due to the weather but people partied on inside venues.

Popular fancy dress costumes this year included Cruella De Vil, Crayola crayons, pirates and superheroes.

Among those coming to Weymouth to join celebrations were Deborah Stanford, 52, from Gloucestershire, dressed as a giant poppy together with her partner Tim who dressed as a First World War soldier.

She spent two days sewing and making the unique outfit because she wanted to celebrate the centenary year of the First World War.

Deborah added: “We got married on Armistice Day in 2011 and this New Year is an even further celebration with our themed costumes.

“This year marks 100 years since the beginning of the First World War and I wanted to make a costume that would mark that.”

Gwynn Burrough from South Wales dressed as the wolf, with Ceryn as Little Red Riding Hood, pictured above left.

He said: “Every New Year we come to Weymouth because we love the excellent party atmosphere.”

Parties in Weymouth included the collaborative effort by seafront bars known as The Front and the first ever masquerade ball at the Pavilion.

Nadine Simpson, Lazy Lizard bar manager, said the seafront venue together with Aura and Dusk celebrated an ‘amazing night’ and all three bars were full.

Dorset Police experienced a busy New Year’s Eve across Dorset with ‘numerous arrests’ made. There were no serious incidents but mainly low level and alcohol-related cases.