Christmas came early for senior citizens who were treated to a festive variety show with all the trimmings.

Weymouth and Portland Lions Club put on a cracking show for elderly people in the borough.

It's an annual treat for older residents at a time of goodwill – and comes ahead of another big event organised by the club – the Christmas Day Harbour Swim.

Almost 1,000 people attended this year and were treated to a wealth of local talent for free. Also in the audience were the Mayor and Mayoress of Weymouth and Portland, Kevin and Anne Brookes, and Weymouth Carnival Queen Samantha McIntosh.

Lions spokesman Norman Apps said: "The evening started off with the Pzazz Dancers followed by youngsters from WOW who sang and danced their way through songs from the shows with a precision and professionalism beyond their young years.

"Matt Black, a regular to the show, entertained with jokes and anecdotes whilst displaying considerable talent at the piano. The Lions Club members kicked off the second half after the interval with an amusing sketch on the Wizard of Oz which featured 12-year-old Maisie Sheridan who sang ‘Over the Rainbow’ to great applause.

"Darren Garnett, ‘the voice of cool swing’, another regular, gave his usual polished performance to a very receptive audience. The final performance came from that ever-popular local band, Replay, fronted by Lions Club member Norman Stagles, who hit just the right note with hits from the 50’s & 60’s and supported by vocals from Norman’s wife ‘Annie Mac’."

The show was compered by Russ Woolley.

Lions Club president Roger Hogbin said: "I would like to say an enormous thank you to all of these amazing performers and to all the wonderful people who helped make the show happen."

People who want to take part in the harbour swim are encouraged to book a place online at weymouthlionsclub.co.uk/events to avoid the queue on the day. Sponsorship forms can be downloaded on the website.