CROWDS turned out in force to show their support for a ‘cherished’ Dorset charity.

Actor Martin Clunes led the celebrations as the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust held its 19th annual fete at the Joseph Weld Hospice in Dorchester.

Organisers say they believe the event was their biggest and best ever and are hoping that will be reflected in the amount raised for the charity.

Mr Clunes, who lives in West Dorset, is a long term supporter of Weldmar and has become a regular guest at the popular event.

After taking a stroll around the grounds of the fete, which were packed with displays, stalls and fun activities, he accepted series of cheques from dedicated fundraisers on behalf of Weldmar.

Mr Clunes said he was impressed by the turn out and added that there seemed to be more than ever for them to enjoy this year.

He said: “It’s amazing, it does look grand and there are more stalls than before.”

Mr Clunes said the number of people at the event just illustrated how highly people valued the work of Weldmar.

He said: “It’s more than a worthy cause, I would say it’s cherished.

“People love it and care for it, people who don’t even use it love it and we really are very lucky to have it.”

When he addressed the crowds, Mr Clunes was keen to praise the immense contribution the staff and volunteers at Weldmar made to the charity.

It has been a special year for Weldmar as it celebrated its 20th years of the hospice and 30 years of providing community care.

Event organiser Matt Smith said he was thrilled with how the fete had gone.

He said: “It’s an absolutely fantastic turn out, we don’t know quite how many people have come yet but it’s probably the best we have ever had.

“There were queues going all the way back down Herringston Road.

“We are really pleased and hopefully we will reflect that in the income we make today.

“Everyone also looked like they were having a great time.”

Mayor of Dorchester Peter Mann opened the event and crowds enjoyed entertainment from the Weymouth Ukuleleans, the Rock Choir, Amy Lilywhite, the Decadettes, Slim Dance and Dynamo Dancers, Tony Lowe and winner of Weldmar’s Dorset’s Got Talent Annabel Davies.

As well as a host of stalls and chances to win prizes, there was a silent auction with around 100 lots up for grabs included a walk on part in Mr Clunes’ television show Doc Martin.

Check out our picture gallery from the fete here.