FOOD and cultures from around the world were celebrated at a community event in Weymouth.

Chapelhay Community Playgarden hosted the Celebrate Dorset event on behalf of the Dorset Race Equality Council.

It was one of the 'best ever' events at the playgarden, said organisers who reported that more than 120 people attended on a 'beautiful, sunny day'.

Food was provided by local families originally from Syria (chicken with peppers, and lamb fritters), China (pork Dim Sum) and Hungary (paprika mushrooms and traditional dumplings, and chocolate pancakes).

Plus there was also Rosa and Sue’s Swedish-style smorgastarte, Roy’s Kenyan-style goat curry, John’s Yorkshire parkin, and Helene’s Norwegian ginger bread which the children iced and decorated themselves

Chairman of the playgarden committee Clare Sutton said, “We’ve had many fantastic events at the playgarden over the last eleven years, but this has to be one of the best ever.

"It was brilliant to have so many people from diverse backgrounds joining in and helping out, and wonderful to sample foods from all around the world, and to welcome so many new faces, young and old.

"It really would not be possible to thank everyone, but a special thank you to Helene, Alice, Nermin, Noor, Zoltan, Roy, Rosa and Sue for all the wonderful food, Julie Hursthouse from the borough council for all her help, and Jane from the Dorset Race Equality Council for choosing us to host this event, and pulling the whole thing together.

"Above all though, I have to thank all our wonderful committee members for working so hard year in year out to make this such a warm and welcoming place for everyone.”

The Chapelhay Community Playgarden project has been running for 11 years, involving local families in the upkeep of the green space between St Leonard's Road and Franchise Street in Weymouth.

The group meets at the playgarden on the first Sunday of the month from 11.30am-12.30pm.