WEYMOUTH Beach came to life as thousands of people flocked to the town for the live Blue Peter Roadshow.

Youngsters and parents from all across Dorset packed the beach to watch the roadshow, the last in a series of four live broadcasts from different parts of the country.

And much to everyone's delight the afternoon stayed sunny and warm as the 20,000-strong audience enjoyed a fun-filled bumper show including a stunning stage performance by pop diva Louise, exciting live games and challenges.

The Blue Peter team - Simon Thomas, Matt Baker, Konnie Huq and Liz Barker - presented the show live to millions of homes across Britain as they took a special look at what's hot for visitors in Weymouth and the surrounding area during the holidays.

The fun-packed afternoon also included a special pre-show with presenter Lisa Brockwell, who hosts the BBC programme Get Your Own Back, and she kept the crowds on their toes with plenty of audience competitions and plenty of karaoke. And CBBC presenter Ana Boulter was also there to introduce the show as it went live on air.

Blue Peter fan Katie Rawles, 13, travelled from Bridport to see the show and she said: "We got here at 10am so that we could get a good place.

"Blue Peter is brilliant and the show was great and I really liked all the presenters and Louise."

Hannah Colston, 10, and her sister Melissa, seven, from Wincanton in Somerset, also enjoyed the entertainment.

Melissa said: "Blue Peter is my favourite television show and Matt is my favourite presenter and I really liked seeing him on stage."

Nicola Freer, 10, from Lulworth, said: "I came here to see Louise and she was brilliant. I hope the roadshow comes again next year."

Steve Davis, of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's tourism department, said: "There has been a great reaction to the roadshow coming to Weymouth.

"The crowds were superb, the show was wonderful and exciting and the afternoon went very well. It was another highlight of the summer season in Weymouth."