Dorchester residents were encouraged to get out and get moving at a community picnic with a difference.

Despite a few showers, families enjoyed the fresh air at the ‘Living Well Loving Nature’ event in the Borough Gardens on Saturday.

The initiative is run collaboratively by Natural Choices, Stepping into Nature, the Mid-Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group, Live Well Dorset, and Dorchester Town Council.

Emma Scott, community development officer for Dorchester Town Council said the event aimed to ‘inspire’ individuals to get out in nature to help improve their health and wellbeing.

The gardens were a hive of activity as members of the public tried their hand at host of activities were available to try including high intensity interval training, Nordic walking, mindfulness and outdoor yoga.

Mrs Scott said: “We’ve had a really lovely day. One of the best parts has been seeing the huge age range of everyone here including a toddler celebrating their first birthday and some very elderly local residents - all getting stuck in.”

She added the event hoped to encourage health practitioners to recommend outdoor activities to their patients.

Live music on the bandstand kept picnickers entertained and a local guide group were on hand to serve up refreshments.

Also attending the event was Mayor of Dorchester, David Taylor. He said: “There’s a great representation of all the wonderful things going on in Dorchester here.

“It’s a great opportunity to bring families together, make new friends, share ideas and strengthen our community here in Dorchester - something I am very passionate about.”

Julie Hammon from Stepping into Nature said she was amazed by the scope of different people who had attended the event.

“It’s been absolutely brilliant - there really has been something for everyone and the rain didn’t stop us,” she said.

Organisers are hoping to make the picnic an annual event. Anyone interested in getting involved in the next event or want to find out more contact Emma Scott via e.scott@dorchester-tc.gov.uk