MORE than 1,000 people turned out in the sunshine to celebrate ‘the best of what Portland has to offer’.

Olympic mascots and prisoners were just some of the people on hand to help out at the Revive Portland Show.

Organisers were thrilled that the sun also put in an appearance after last year’s event was rained off, and helped to bring out around 1,500 visitors throughout the day.

The show, featuring family activities and musical performances, took place at the Verne Citadel on Saturday.

Official mascots Wenlock and Mandeville brought a taste of the Olympics to the event and posed for photos.

Community organiser Yvonne Beven, of Revive Portland, said: “It’s been absolutely fantastic and we’ve had such a great turnout.

“Everything here, apart from the mascots, is about Portland, the whole day has been about showcasing the best of what Portland has to offer.”

Ms Beven praised the work of prisoners at the Verne, who made the day run smoothly by helping with catering and marshalling.

She added: “I’d also like to say a big thank you to Weymouth community volunteers for their help.”

The event included a stone carving workshop, various stalls run by community groups and live performances from the Portland Majorettes, GWellC Dance Crew, Chesil Cove Choir and Island Voices.

Refreshments were served at the Jailhouse cafe, which opened its doors to the public in November last year.

The cafe is a joint venture between the Verne and its educational provider Strode College, and offers catering training for prisoners.

Michelle Preston, community partnership lead at the prison, said: “We’re really pleased with how hard our men have worked today and delighted with the response we have had from the community.

“The Verne is absolutely a part of Portland, and events like this enable people to understand what we are trying to achieve through rehabilitation.”

She added: “The support of the community makes a huge difference and this has been a really good step for our men towards reintegrating back into the community.

“Taking part in something like this makes them feel quite special and the feedback from the public is really encouraging.”

Visitors from across Weymouth and Portland commented on the unusual location for the show, and admired the view across Portland Bay and Chesil Beach.

Finlay Parry, aged seven, who visited with dad Adrian, said it was ‘the best day ever’ because he got to see the Olympic mascots.

Mr Parry, from Wyke Regis, said: “I brought him because he wanted to see the mascots, but it’s a fantastic location and a great show.”

Portland’s Priscilla Shearn attended with children Callum and Micala, both aged nine.

She said: “I haven’t been up here in years, but it’s a lovely family atmosphere.

“The kids have really enjoyed making paper butterflies and stone carving, and, of course, seeing the mascots.”