HUNDREDS of supporters came out in force to celebrate this year's Love Parade.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their supporters took to the streets of Dorchester to march in the parade, which had a sci-fi theme this year.

The parade, which was launched in 2009, is a celebration of love and acceptance and has been increasing in size each year since it began.

The march began at the town pump and ended at Maumbury Rings where celebrations continued with live music and comedy acts.

Organiser Chris Kendrick said: “The parade went really well. We went with a Star Wars theme because it's the in thing at the moment.

“This is our sixth Love Parade and it's our biggest yet, we've got some great acts this year. It gets bigger and bigger each year.

“The community support is really good and I'd like to say thank you to the Town Council who put this on, they're really good and very supportive.”

Hundreds of supporters went down to Maumbury Rings to enjoy the music and comedy acts, as well as lots of family activities including face painting and bouncy castles.

Richard Jones is a psychotherapist who was at the parade on behalf of Breakfree, a Bournemouth based support group for Transgender people from across Dorset.

He said: “This is the first time we've been here for the Love Parade and it's been a really good day.

“It is great that a small town like Dorchester is holding a festival like this when you sometimes don't get anything in bigger towns and cities.