Today marks the return of the RNLI's biggest fundraiser - Weymouth Lifeboat Week.

This year will see a varied programme of events with something different will be going on every day of the week organised by Teresa Drage and the RNLI branch team.

The event kicks off this evening (22) with the traditional service of the blessing of the lifeboats at 7.30pm at the lifeboat station in Weymouth Harbour. 

The service will be led by the clergy team from Holy Trinity Church.

At 7pm tomorrow (23), the first of two lifeboat displays will take place, with the Nothe Gardens being the best place to see all the action.

From 6pm onwards in thr gardens there will be a bar, a hog roast provided by Dennis from the Famous Sausage Factory, stalls, a tombola, a raffle and grand draw.

The RNLI shop will also be there, as well as the Punch and Judy show, vintage cars, tug of war and live music from The Speedway Snails.

At the same time as the Nothe display, a fishing competition is being held on the Stone Pier.

Following the success of last year's Stand Up Paddleboard event, it will return this year on Tuesday.

It will start at 6.30pm at Weymouth Watersports and Fitness Club.

Wednesday (25) will be the second lifeboat display, this time at Bowleaze Cove. It will start just before 7pm.

A crabbing competition has been organised for Thursday (26) from 2pm to 4pm at Weymouth Lifeboat Station.

Prizes will be awarded for the largest number of crabs caught, the biggest crab and the crab with the most barnacles. 

After the competition a night of Folk music will be held at Pilgrim House in Hope Square. It will feature Doc Clarks Remedy, Gregory Schofield and the Two Peas from 7.30pm until 11pm.

On Friday (27) there will be a sandcastle competition on Weymouth beach opposite Rossies Ice Cream Parlour. The event runs from 1pm to 3pm with judging being carried out by Weymouth's own Mr Sandman - Mark Anderson.

On the final day - Saturday (28) - from 10.30am until 4pm, the Weymouth all-weather and Inshore lifeboats are open to the public to look around. The volunteer crew will also be on hand to talk to. 

Teresa Drage who is the main organiser for lifeboat week said: "We have put together a week of events which we hope will be suitable for the whole family.

"The week aims to show the public the great work that our volunteer lifeboat crews do and raise money for the RNLI, the charity that is dedicated to saving lives at sea.

"I would like to say a big thank you to all the sponsors of our Grand Draw for the wonderful prizes that they have donated to us.

For more information seach Weymouth Lifeboat Fundraising on Facebook.