Excitement is heating up for the return of a unique event – and the main charity which will benefit has also been unveiled.

The Sutton Poyntz Victorian Street Fair takes place on Sunday, June 24 and organisers have announced that the event’s main beneficiary will be Dorset County Hospital’s Cancer Appeal.

Event chairman Dave Langridge said the committee chose the cause because so many – not only villagers but those who will attend the event – have had their lives touched by cancer.

Dorset County Hospital wants to bring radiotherapy services to Dorchester for the first time – and is on its final push to raise the £1.75m needed to do so.

The street fair usually raises around £15,000 to £20,000, which is split between a number of causes, with one main beneficiary.

Mr Langridge said: “Within the village there are a number of people who have suffered with cancer, who have had to go to Poole for treatment. Having that facility in Dorchester would benefit everyone.”

With the biennial event just weeks away Mr Langridge said all the organisational side of the fair is coming together well, with just his own Victorian costume left to sort.

He said: “I think there’s something like 170 to 180 volunteers involved – some will be working on the day, doing car park duties, manning the village stalls, handing out programmes and others have been involved the whole way through, organising man power.

“It’s a really excellent community.”

Visitors to the event, which runs from 11am to 5pm, can browse stalls manned by villagers in traditional Victorian dress, enjoy demonstrations of traditional crafts such as pottery and thatching, as well as listen to live bands and watch local entertainers on two stages.

There is also a dedicated children’s activity area.

Organisers say the event is a chance to showcase the village and that everyone is welcome, including holidaymakers and people who live around Weymouth and beyond.

Entry costs £3 for adults and is free for children.