A PORTLAND community group had a summer party to remember this year.

The sun shone and residents came out in droves for the ninth annual Easton Gardens Summer Fete on Saturday, August 13.

Organised each year by the Easton Community Group, in partnership with the Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, the fete aims to raise money for the upkeep of the gardens.

Established in 2001, the Easton Community Group have been fundraising for 14 years to transform the gardens into an inviting family friendly space.

And they truly had something to celebrate this year, as Easton Gardens last month received the prestigious Green Flag Award, signifying it is one of the most beautifully maintained public spaces in the country.

Secretary of the Easton Community Group June Morley said: “We've worked very hard over the years to get Easton Gardens to green flag status.

"This year's fete went very well, the weather was very kind and it really was a most enjoyable day for people.”

From 10am to 3pm visitors enjoyed bric-a-brac stalls, homemade cakes, arts and crafts, fairground rides as well as a bouncy castle and lucky-dip for the children.

Musical entrainment was provided by the Weymouth Concert Brass, and community group members Sandy and Stuart Cove graced the stage with their guitars.

June added: “Lots of hard work goes into the day, it is non-stop.

Portland Rotary Club helped us set up in the morning and some local residents came along and helped throughout the day as well.”

Over the last nine years the fetes have raised thousands of pounds for the restoration of the gardens.

The money raised has so far paid for a children’s play areas, lights, seating, raised flowers bed, new gates and the cleaning of the clock tower.

June added that the success of the fetes and the new green flag status is all down to community spirit.

She said: “People in the community are hardworking nice people, they come out and support us and we couldn’t do it without them, they have been very good to us.”