Sunny weather brought visitors from across the south coast to Portland to watch the opening of the country's newest boat storage facility.

Hundreds of people descended on Portland Marina for its open day earlier this month, with many arriving by sea on the Coastline Cruises ferry 'My Girl' from Weymouth, on their own boats, and some even journeying from the Solent to join in celebrations.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Portland officially opened the marina's new dry stack facility, a structure which provides undercover storage for boat owners.

The 19m high 84m long facility, designed and built by local contractors Mayhew Callum Ltd and CG Fry and Son, can hold 150 boats of up to 9.9m long. Boats are stored on adjustable racks and the service at Portland Marina includes a two-hour launch service and valet fuelling.

The stack will also be clad on three sides, with cladding due to be installed in autumn 2018.

Richard Reddyhoff, chairman of Dean and Reddyhoff which owns marinas on the south coast, said: "The dry stack was part of the original plans for Portland Marina and we are delighted that it is now build and providing secure storage for more boat owners."

As well as offering secure storage for more boat owners, building the dry stack has freed up on-site car parking spaces and has allowed Dean and Reddyhoff to build a new boat shed, forming a dive centre for Skin Deep.

Cllr Charlie Flack, Mayor of Portland, said: "Dean and Reddyhoff is an important investor in Portland, providing jobs, supporting tourism and the maritime economy."

The event opened with a performance from the Dorset Wrecks sea shanty singers. Activities on the water included a life raft demonstration by Quality Time Training, have-a-go paddle boarding with Adventure 4 All and dinghy sailing with the Andrew Simpson Watersports Centre.

The Boat That Rocks restaurant put on an afternoon barbecue with musical entertainment, finishing with party band Scoot.

Exhibitors included Chesil Sailability, Sally’s Fish Camp, Cherry Picked Hampers, Beds On Board, Admiral Yacht Insurance, Dorset Wildlife Trust, Portland Bill National Coastwatch Institution, Why Boats, Cove Yachts and Apollo Marine.