THE spirit of St George was celebrated in style as a traditional fair returned to Dorchester.

Huge numbers gathered in the sunshine on Fordington Green, next to St George’s Church, on Saturday afternoon to honour England’s patron saint.

The event, which has been running for more than 50 years, is held annually on the nearest Saturday to St George’s Day.

Churchwarden Yvonne Lee of the organising committee said: “It was a lovely afternoon and I think it all went extremely well. It was certainly well attended, I would say at least a thousand people came along throughout the day.

“The weather was very kind to us which always helps and I think we raised about £3000 towards the church fund.”

The event was officially opened my Dorchester’s deputy Mayor and Mayoress Robin and Val Potter who were joined by Mayor Tim Harries later in the afternoon.

Yvonne said: “Now that it’s over we’re all absolutely exhausted. There is only four women on the committee who organise the event and we were quite proud of ourselves for getting it all together. We are only a small group but I think we did very well all things considered.”

Visitors to the fair enjoyed a busy programme of entertainment including performances from the Durnovaria Silver Band, Dorchester Ballet Club and local Morris dancers.

Other activities included face painting, a hog roast, Pimms tent, cream teas, jams, raffles, tombolas, bric-a-brac, jewellery, crafts, children’s games, competitions, community stands, skittles, a water shoot, bouncy castle.

Businesses and organisations from throughout the town donated prizes and gifts for the grand draw.

Yvonne added; “We are extremely grateful to everyone who helped, everyone had a wonderful time. I think people are really supportive of the fair because it is a long standing event and such an English tradition. People remember that we celebrate it and come out and support us.

“It is a real community event, we put it on really to encourage people to get out to really bring the community together and bring them towards the church.”