More than 100 children with learning difficulties took a spin on the funfair.

Children from Westfield Arts College and Wyvern Academy, Weymouth, and Dorchester Opportunity Group, based in the county town, spent two hours at the Dorchester Carnival funfair a day before it opened to the public as part of the carnival celebrations.

David and Carol Wynn have been bringing their funfair to Dorchester Carnival for more than 40 years and each year they open it up to the children before the big event.

Ellis Ford, who organised the trip, said: “This is always a fun event and something that the children look forward to every year. Seeing the pleasure they have means so much.”

Gemma Brayshaw, of Wyvern Academy, added: “It was a real privilege to see the beaming smiles and hear the laughter from our students. What a wonderful opportunity for the children to fulfil lots of sensory needs all at once.

“I am proud of the way so many of the children not only coped with the bright loud environment but genuinely enjoyed the morning.

“A huge thank you to all of those involved with the organisation of this event.

Lisa Welford, of Westfield Arts College, took seven boys from the school along to the fair.

“They loved it,” she said. “They thoroughly enjoyed it.

“They went on the bumper cars, the waltzer, twice on the merry-go-round and then had some candyfloss afterwards.

“Mrs Wynn does it every year and it’s so nice. We have a non-verbal pupil and it helps him to engage. To see him with the biggest smile on his face was just lovely.” It was nice for us all to be out in the community.” They were very well-behaved and represented Westfield very well – we’re very proud.”