The weather did hold - just - for another successful annual fete.

Thousands of people descended on the Joseph Weld Hospice in Dorchester on Saturday to celebrate the 22nd year of its Summer Fete. 

People were eagerly queuing out of the hospice grounds and along Herringston Road in the early morning, before it was officially opened at 11am by deputy Mayor of Dorchester, Tim Harries and his mayoress, Anita Harries.

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Martin Clunes welcomes a newborn baby

Anita said: "It's always a pleasure to come along and open the Weldmar Fete especially when the sun is out, and trying its best to stay out, and people are turning out in the hundreds."

Each year the fete raises more than £25,000 on average for Weldmar Hospicecare and organisers are hoping for another record-breaker this year - the final pennies are currently being totalled up.

This year saw some new attractions such as a Punch and Judy show as well the Dorset Fire and Rescue Service and balloon modellers - and of course the popular coconut shy and crockery smashing made a return.

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Tabitha and Stanley Sheldon and Iris and Rowan Hooper 

Tabitha and Stanley Sheldon were definitely enjoying their day out with mum Kirsty.

Little Tabitha had even won herself a Minnie Mouse.

Kirsty said: "This is our first time we have been down, and it's really good. There are lots of stalls and it's a nice day out for the kids - hopefully the weather will hold."

Seven-year-old Joshua Dorey definitely showed watchers how it was done on the crockery smashing stalls - with crowds cheering him as not many items were left undamaged. 

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Joshua Dorey smashes plates

And it wouldn't be a true annual fete without the appearance of much-loved actor, Martin Clunes, who was straight over to the crockery smashing, signing a few autographs and taking just a few selfies from fans along the way. 

Speaking on the day Mr Clunes said: "I've been coming here for many years, so many I have actually lost count.

"As ever it's another great turnout and each year a fantastic amount is raised.

"Nothing about this fete needs changing."

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