The community came together to enjoy the sunshine at a family fun day in Dorchester.

Families flocked to the event which was organised by the Friends of the Borough Gardens and the Grove Preschool in Damers Road.

Attendees were treated to a day of music, activities and refreshments in the scorching bank holiday Monday weather.

The Friends of the Borough Gardens organised a rainbow competition for children in which kids had to hunt down natural things in the park to match the colours of the rainbow.

Friend, Lorna Low, said the idea behind the event was to provide completely free fun for families.

"There's a real community feel, particularly in the Borough Gardens as its a real central point. If it's a nice day like this what could be more perfect," she said.

Fellow member Jay Wallis added: "We kept trying to organise things last year but they kept getting rained off. We've finally done it and it's lovely. It's probably the best event we've done ever."

Staff and parents from the Grove Pre-School were on hand to entertain children with a pirate-inspired treasure hunt. Children had to follow clues hidden in locations across the county town for a chance to win some booty of their own.

They were also selling pirate-themed cakes and treats including 'shiver-me-gingers' and 'flapjack sparrows' to help raise funds for the pre-school.

Mum, Libby Gower said: "All the cakes are made by mums and they have been going down very well. People were here at half past nine this morning and its been pretty constant all day."

Music was provided by the Mill Street Jazz Band which serenaded attendees for with a two-hour set as they soaked up the sun.

Band member Leslie Smith said: "We do a lot of shows in the park. People love it. It's an amazing thing to do and very rewarding. We always get people coming up to us to say positive things."

Abby and Marc Johnson, who live near the gardens, were at the fun day with their children Molly and Toby.

"Molly is currently at the Grove and Toby went to the Grove when he was younger so we wanted to come down and support it. They put on some great events so its always good to support them," Abby said.

Marc added: "The gardens are such a good space and things like this bring people out to enjoy it – it's nice to have and make use of the facility."