THOUSANDS of people flocked to Weldmar Hospicecare Trust’s 20th anniversary summer fete with star of the show Martin Clunes causing quite a stir with admiring fans.

This year’s Weldmar fete held on Saturday marked the 20th anniversary of the Joseph Weld Hospice and the annual event was supported once again by the Doc Martin star, who is a regular supporter of the charity.

The fete raised £25,000 for Weldmar and saw approximately 2,000 adults and 1,000 children through its doors.

The event promised fun for all ages with more than 40 stalls, classic cars on display, a silent auction and live entertainment.

All of the stalls on the day were staffed by volunteers meaning proceeds go straight to helping the charity.

The fete, which raised £27,000 last year, was opened by the deputy mayor of Dorchester at 11am.

Four Weldmar fundraisers – the Hardy Country Classic Tour, the Acting Caledonians, Dave Oxford and Emma Richardson and Andrew Drake of the Ducks and Drakes Cancer Trust - then presented cheques totalling £5,074 to the charity.

Speaking to the Echo, Martin Clunes said the event this year was a testament to how nice people were in Dorset.

He added: “It’s fantastic to see that so many people have come together in Dorset to support Weldmar’s event.

“Events like these also put the volunteers of Weldmar on display, which is nice as they are usually behind the scenes.

“Weldmar is one charity that people in Dorset put their hearts into and we have had a fantastic day.”

The Weldmar Hospicecare Trust provides care for those suffering from cancer and other conditions such as Motor Neurone disease, but the charity needs to raise more than £10,000 per day to fund its services.

More than 80 lots were also up for grabs in the silent auction, including a Downton Abbey book and DVD signed by the cast, a signed cycling jersey from double Olympic gold medallist Laura Trott and a Radley handbag.

Musical entertainment was provided by The Decadettes, the Weymouth Ukeleleans and the Dorset’s Got Talent finalists.

Organiser Matt Smith said: “It’s been brilliant to see so many people supporting Weldmar at the fete and it shows the fantastic level of support we have from people in Dorset.

“We have raised an amazing £25,000 from the fete, and every penny that was spent there goes directly towards patient care.

“A massive thank you must go to everyone who has come along to the fete, everyone who has supported us and all our very hardworking volunteers.”

The park and ride service once again took visitors to the summer fete from the Dorchester Town football club to the event at the Joseph Weld Hospice free of charge this year.

Among those visiting the fete were Karen Brookes, Sian Brookes and Philip Peters, who said they came to the fete for the first time this year but were so impressed they would come back again.

Dorchester resident Mandy Sylvester visits the fete every year.

She said: "There's a great atmosphere here and of course it's always nice to catch a glimpse of Martin Clunes.

"I first came to the fete because I had a friend staying in the hospice at the time, and I have supported Weldmar ever since."

To find out more about Weldmar visit weld-hospice.org.uk/fete