A midsummer music festival which supports the Samaritans had its best year yet according to organisers.

Chesil Rocks, the family-friendly festival held at the home of Tim and Hilary Warren at Langton Herring near Weymouth, has become a firm fixture in the local entertainments calendar.

The 500-capacity event was held for the seventh year on Saturday, June 23.

A diverse mix of music, comedy and other entertainment, children's activities and a beautiful countryside setting overlooking Chesil Beach makes the event popular with people of all ages.

In fact it's become so popular that next year it will be held on two days instead of the usual one.

From the outset Chesil Rocks' aim has been to support the Weymouth-based Samaritans of Dorset to maintain its crucial service – close to £50,000 has been raised over the years.

Now Tim and Hilary Warren have revealed almost £9,500 was raised from this year's event.

Mr Warren said: "The opinion has been overwhelming – that this year's event was the best yet.

"We are delighted to announce that Samaritans of Dorset received a total of almost £9,500 through Chesil Rocks this year.

"Even though the branch is staffed by volunteers, it still has an annual budget of £30,000 to £40,000 and with no government funding, much of the time has to be spent on fundraising activities.

"Our contribution will help them spend less time and effort on fundraising and more on what they do best."

Hilary Warren added: "We had a fabulous and diverse mix of music, comedy and other entertainment this year, together with outstanding food, drinks and a wonderful atmosphere. The weather was kind to us too, which helped ensure our highest attendance to date."

Among the acts performing were festival favourites The Leylines, an ensemble from the London Gay Men's Chorus, and local acts including the Leggomen, the Mad Hatters and the Million Dollar Bash.

The event costs around £10,000 to stage each year.

Mrs Warren said: "We are always looking for sponsorship, so if any business or individual might be interested in supporting our event, then do get in touch."

She added: "We are grateful to all those who sponsored, helped or supported our event this year – without which the event just could not have been so successful."

Next year Chesil Rocks will start on the evening of Friday, June 21, continuing from 11am until midnight on Saturday, June 22.

People interested in volunteering should contact the organisers at chesilrocks@gmail.com