THE SPIRIT of St George will be celebrated as a popular annual fair returns to Dorchester.

A packed line-up of entertainment has been lined up for the annual event at Fordington Green, which also takes place at St George's Church and in the church grounds.

The fair traditionally takes place on the nearest Saturday to St George's Day but this year the celebration of the patron saint actually falls on Saturday, April 23.

The fair runs from 1pm to 4pm and will feature music from the Durnovaria Silver Band, performances from the Dorchester Ballet Club and Morris dancers as well as the Friendship Club - a social activities group for Dorset adults with learning disabilities - together with the Pokesdown Sign Language Choir.

There will also be plenty of other activities on offer for families to enjoy and refreshments to tickle the tastebuds including a hog roast, Pimms and juice, cream teas, jams, raffles, tombolas, bric-a-brac, jewellery, crafts, children's games, competitions, community stands, skittles, a water shoot, bouncy castle and much more.

There will also be a competition to design an animal out of fruit or veg with children of all ages invited to take part.

For more information about this email elizabethclark40@yahoo.co.uk

The St George's Day fair has become a firm favourite in the county town calendar over the years and Elizabeth Clark from the organising committee said the occasion promises to offer something for all the family to enjoy and urged people to come along and enjoy a fun-packed afternoon whatever the weather.

She said: "Come rain or shine the fair still goes on.

"We look forward to seeing our regulars and new faces."

Entrance to the fair is free and all proceeds from the event goes to St George's Church in Fordington.