CROWDS flocked to the Borough Gardens over the Bank Holiday weekend where there was fun for all the family.

The Mayoral Fun Day was held on Monday, raising vital funds for mayoral charities the Dorchester Social Stroke Club, Dorset County Hospital Radiotherapy Appeal and the Keep Military Museum.

The event was the final fundraiser hosted by Mayor Tim Harries and his wife Anita before they step down from post at the end of May.

Speaking at the event, Cllr Harries said: “This is a free event so that everybody can come along. There is something for everybody all the money will go towards good causes so thank you to everyone who has come along.”

There was something for all ages, including a bouncy castle and inflatables, falconry and traditional Maypole dancing.

Entertainment was provided in the bandstand by Pop Club, Wessex Military Band and The Decadettes.

Punch and Judy, superheroes and children’s favourite Jack Sparrow also made an appearance at the gardens to keep the little ones amused.

A bar selling drinks, burgers and hot dogs kept the crowd fed and watered and there were plenty of stalls for visitors to browse.

Valerie Bolcina, from London, was visiting friends in the county town and decided to pop along.

Speaking at the event, she said: “My friend’s little girl is in Pop Club so we’ve come to watch her. I think this event is lovely; it’s really nice to see a great event like this for the community.”

Stacey Critchall took her four children to the gardens. She said: “It’s nice to be able to bring the kids to events like this where they can have fun and play with others. My little boy is disabled and he loves things like this but he can’t do it all of the time because of his condition. It’s really nice to spend time with the community and see everyone. It’s good fun.”

Joy Wallis, Friends of the Borough Gardens committee member, said it was great to see the gardens being used.

“It’s brilliant,” she said. “It’s lovely to see the gardens used like this. As Friends, this is what we would like to see all of the time – it’s a lovely facility.”

Cllr Harries, who will be replaced by Cllr Susie Hosford at the end of the month, added: “It is always a pleasure to give something back to the community you have served.”