SPIRITS were running high as hundreds attended various events throughout Portland to celebrate the island's heritage, culture and environment.

Organisers of the Spirit of Portland Festival are now celebrating the success of the week long event as it concluded this weekend.

Andy Matthews of the Portland Community Partnership said the festival was part of a wider tourism strategy to raise the island's profile.

Two events that were cancelled last weekend due to bad weather, the family kite flying at Portland Bill and the Wakeham street party, were rearranged for the same times yesterday and turned out to be a great success.

Tastebuds were tickled at a Portland country market in Easton on Friday, while skaters showed off their skills at a Jam on the Rock Skatefest on Saturday.

A Southwell street party was also held on Saturday with Portland Museum opening their doors for free on Sunday.

Children also had the chance to become seashore scavengers for the day at the Chesil Beach Centre in the week and a teddy bear picnic was also held at St John’s Hall on the island and saw more than 75 people take part.

Nikki Fryer, one of the organisers of the week, said: "The whole week has been a real success and lots of local groups and businesses have taken advantage or the opportunity to showcase Portland.

"This weekend in particular has been fantastic with the sun coming out.

"The Southwell street party and the Skatefest were really well attended and it was fantastic to see so many young people coming out to that.

"The Wakeham street party and the Kite Festival were re-organised for this weekend which was brilliant.

"I know the organisers and I would really like to thank every body who has made the week possible, especially the volunteers and sponsors.

"I would like to encourage all the local businesses who would like to get involved next year to get in contact.

"I would like to add that Andy Matthews, chairman of the Portland Community Partnership, would never say but he has been the backbone and the main person organising this week.

"He has been running around Portland the last few days and tried to attend every single event."