All the fun of the fair at Dorchester Carnival

Some 120 children from Wyvern and Westfield special schools in Weymouth were treated to an exclusive spin on the rides at Wynn’s fun fair.

David and Carol Wynn and Edward Danter, who run the fair, threw open the gates yesterday morning.

Westfield pupil Alan Bowditch, aged 10, said: “It was really good. We went really fast. I enjoyed the tea cups ride.”

Stephanie Critchell, 10, added: “It was really good fun.”

Wynn’s run the rides free of charge every year on the Friday morning before carnival day for the pupils – and also make a donation to the carnival pot.

Westfield teacher Justine Wheeler said: “The fair is great as the children can come when it is quiet rather than in the evening.

“They can really enjoy it, not get rushed or pushed about and enjoy it at their own leisure.”

Wyvern teacher Steve James added: “The children look forward to the fair every year.

“The staff of the fair and the Round Table are absolutely fantastic and helpful.”

Mr and Mrs Wynn and Mr Danter were presented with a gold patrons certificate by carnival organisers the round table for their support.

Carnival chairman Ellis Ford said: “This is my favourite event of the whole carnival. It means a lot to the children.”

Carnival committee member Marten Gregory added: “Wynn’s not only provide the rides free of charge for the children, they also make a sizeable amount to charity.”

Mayor Les Phillips said: “To see the children enjoying themselves at this fair is one of the highlights of my mayoral year.

“It is great. Many thanks to Wynn’s and the Round Table for arranging this and the whole carnival.”

The special session came before the main events of carnival day today.

There will be street fair in South Street from 9am to 3pm. There will also be bands in South Street from 11am to 5pm before the grand procession at 6pm. There will also be music in the Borough Gardens from 7.30pm to 10pm.

Don't miss your eight-page Dorchester Carnival picture souvenir in Monday's Dorset Echo