Gazebos were launched 40ft into the air when a mini-twister struck a village flower show.

Visitors, including young children, screamed in horror while others dived for cover as the weather phenomenon blew in, causing chaos.

The mini-twister, which is believed to have been a dust devil, only lasted a few minutes but managed to cause destruction.

It struck at the Chetnole Flower Show on Saturday during sweltering temperatures.

The Met Office said it could not say for certain what occurred without knowing all the facts but a spokesman said it may have have been a dust devil. These form as a swirling updraft under sunny conditions during fair weather.

Onlookers told how jewellery and hats from stalls were whipped into the air along with several gazebos, before being scattered around the village of Chetnole.

No-one was seriously hurt.

Mark Stephen, who ran a stall on the day, said the twister struck around 2.30pm.

The gazebo next to his was lifted into the air and he said people had to dive for cover.

He said: “Everyone was running because the gazebos came crashing down.

“People were crying and were in shock, especially the children.

“It was very scary, I couldn’t believe it.

“Nobody knew what to do at the time. There was silence for a while, but then everyone came together and started picking each other’s stuff up.

“All the jewellery went everywhere, a woman who was selling hats said she found boaters in the churchyard afterwards.”

A villager involved in the organisation of the event, who didn't want to be identified said: “I looked up and heard screams as a gazebo was launched into the air. It was like something you see in the United States, not in Dorset. It was quite spectacular.”

Jackie Boulter, chairman of the show’s committee, said: “People were quite shaken afterwards but there were no major injuries, thankfully we carried on as normal.

“In typical British fashion, everyone came together to pick up the tables and carry on the flower show."

She added: “I would like to thank everyone who came to this year's flower show and helped to make it such a success.

“I’d like to thank those who helped sort out the show after the madness and for continuing to have fun while spending their money which will go towards a good cause.”

Each year the flower show helps raise money for charity. The show’s committee will meet next month to decide where to donate the money raised.