One of west Dorset's most beautiful events returns this weekend for the first time in four years.

On Sunday, 5000 tealight candles will light up Lyme Regis Cobb, illuminating the historic Grade-I harbour.

Each candle is sponsored in memory of a loved one, with each numbered on a map indicating its position on the harbour wall.

Candles on the Cobb organisers the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis plan to create a crown on the beach in recognition of Jubilee year.

Time is running out to sponsor a candle to remember your loved one - with proceeds going towards good causes.

The first event in 2000 raised £7,200 and, since then, the rotary club says more than £140,000 has been distributed to local youth projects and national charities.

This year's beneficiaries will be youth projects in Lyme Regis, the British Red Cross and Cancer Research UK.

Candles on the Cobb is watched by thousands of people who gather in Langmoor and Lister Gardens and along the seafront. Many bring picnics and make an evening of the occasion.

It is traditionally held every three years but was unable to go ahead in 2021 due to the uncertainties around the pandemic.

The last Candles on the Cobb event in 2018 was held to commemorate the centenary of the First World War and in addition to the thousands of candles on the Cobb saw an illuminated red poppy placed on the sand on the beach.

You can sponsor a candle directly by visiting candlesonthecobb.com or you can now purchase a certificate from participating stores The Slipway and RNLI Shop at the Cobb Lyme Regis.

A number of outlets in the town are also involved, which can all be found on the same website.

You will know just where your candle will be positioned on the Cobb when lit on Sunday, with the event beginning at 8pm.

The rotary is looking for more people to join.

If would like to use your spare time and skills to give something back to your community, visit lymeregisrotary.org or email secretary@lymeregisrotary.org