THOUSANDS of people flocked to Lyme Regis to enjoy an explosive end to the annual Carnival and Regatta Week.

This year, the Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival Week ran from August 2 until August 10 with more than 60 events for all the family based on the seafront.

Highlights included the popular torchlight procession with a samba band on August 7, the carnival procession and a spectacular fireworks display to music on August 9.

New events included the clipper challenge and an event commemorating 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War.

All proceeds from the week will be donated to local good causes.

More than £75,000 has been raised in the last 10 years, but the carnival’s main aim is to help families and holidaymakers enjoy visiting Lyme Regis. Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival chair Teresa Evemy said: “Our torchlight procession The Walk of Light held a new route this year and made its way through the Langmoor Gardens, accompanied by samba band Street Heat, towards the Cobb.

“Because of the new route, more people wanted to get involved and we must have had approximately 1,000 people join in the procession.”

She added: “The carnival procession as always was a real highlight of the week. It’s the people who come to watch the carnival and take part that makes the event what it is.

“The procession drew large crowds and there was a real community spirit in the town.

“The firework display this year was one of the best displays I have seen in a long time here in Lyme; and the cheers as the last fireworks went up were brilliant.”

“Thank you to every single person who came out to come and watch, or took part or helped out.

“Once again the carnival was a real community effort.” Teresa added that fundraising totals for the carnival were still being added up. Evening events included the Tano Taiko Drummers back by popular demand with the opportunity to have a go on the drums during the interval.