Spirits were high as hundreds turned out to the annual Portland Sparkle returned to the isle on Friday night.

The festive magic drew in crowds from across the island to enjoy Christmas food, games, donkey rides and carolling at Easton Square.

Co-ordinated by Portland Town Council, the popular annual event, formerly known as Easton Promise, underwent a name change this year in hopes of becoming more inclusive.

Councillor Ray Nowak said: "Easton Promise sounded like it was just for Easton which it's not. This year we've got everyone on the island involved.

"It's a nice evening and there's lots of people about. It's all about keeping the buzz of Portland going."

Kicking off at 5pm, there were an array of craft and bric-a-brac for sale and families got stuck in to the home-made sparkling decoration competition.

Father Christmas, along with his cheeky elf and magnificent sleigh, made an appearance to meet children and raise funds for Rotary Club Charities.

Royal Manor of Portland Rotary Club member, Julia Lunn said: "The evening has gone so well. We've had lots of children visiting Santa.

"The sleigh has been round the island twice this week and will be twice next week."

During the evening, the Mayor presented this year's community group grants handing over cheques of £345 to each of the Island of Portland Heritage Trust, Portland Sea Cadets and Portland Museum. Westcliff Baby and Toddler Group received a generous boost of £200 while Portland Women's Institute were handed a cheque for £100.

Mayor of Portland, Charlie Flack said: "I'm very impressed with this year's event. It's so nice to have the community supporting it and getting involved and taking part."

He added his favourite part of the evening was the candlelit carol service which took place at All Saints Church at 6pm.

Participants were handed special card candlelit lanterns as they entered the church, creating a sea of twinkling lights to accompany the tradition carols and prayer led by the Rev James Menzies.

Even the fire service and their flashing engine stopped by to enjoy the festivities.

Warren Tizard from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said: "We here raising awareness of what we do and it's nice to build a relationship with the community - and what kid doesn't love a fire engine? It's always good fun."

With so many of the island's community together, the town council and the neighbourhood planning committee seized the opportunity to showcase their plans for Portland.

Taking over the library, they invited residents to chat about the future and give feedback to preliminary plans.

Chairman of the Portland Community Partnership, Andy Matthews said: "It's a difficult time of year so we are bringing our consultation to places people are so we can get to engage with young families and get everyone interested.

He added it was events like this, completely run by volunteers that demonstrated the strong community spirit of Portland.