THE JOYS of Dorchester's Borough Gardens were celebrated at a community event in the county town.

There was barely a spare patch of grass as crowds packed into the gardens to enjoy the Love Parks event.

Families and people of all ages were able to enjoy a host of free activities with 17 different stalls offering everything from facepainting to classic motorcycles.

Other entertainment on the day included the popular new addition of donkey rides, a bouncy castle, coconut shy, juggling, Punch and Judy shows and much more.

Mayor of Dorchester Robin Potter, who officially opened the event, said it was great to see so many people coming together to enjoy the gardens.

He said: "It's wonderful to see the community of Dorchester coming together to enjoy all the gardens provide.

"It's fantastic to see so many people."

Cllr Potter and wife Val also had the honour of raising the Borough Gardens' Green Flag Award from Keep Britain Tidy.

The awards recognise the public's favourite parks and green spaces across the country.

The mayor praised the team from Dorchester Town Council who worked so hard to maintain the gardens all year round and all those involved in putting on an array of free events throughout the summer months.

He said: "It's the eighth year in a row we have won it and the town council staff do such wonders."

Lorna Low from the Friends of the Borough Gardens said their quiz was proving popular on the day and they were also helping the Dorset Wildlife Trust promote the Grass Free Lawn community project at the old bowling green.

She added: "It's lovely to see so many people of all ages and they have been coming in from early on and have been taking part in everything on offer."

Michelle Ransom from Weymouth brought along children Starla, aged six, Tyler, nine, and five-month-old Lacey.

She said it was a great free event to take the children to during the school summer holidays.

Michelle said: "They have been making bird boxes, they went on the bouncy castle and had a ride on the donkeys."