Picnic lovers young and old enjoyed an afternoon in the sun at an event promoting the great outdoors.

There was a buzz in Radipole Gardens as Picnic in the Park brought games, activities and music to the heart of Weymouth.

The event was supported by Weymouth Town Council, Friends of Radipole Park and Gardens, Live Well Dorset, Stepping into Nature and Active Ageing. All organisations were hoping to encourage people to be active and celebrate wildlife and wellbeing.

Families had the opportunity to try yoga, pilates, orienteering and piyo as providers offered free taster sessions. In between the sessions there was live music, wildlife stalls to peruse, storytelling, a scavenger hunt, refreshments, bike marking and a cooking stall promoting healthy eating.

The Friends of Radipole Park and Gardens held an exhibit of old photographs and information about the heritage of the site, and a joint display with the town council’s parks section outlining the plans for the park if a stage 2 heritage Lottery bid is successful.

The plans include the installation of a heritage café, toilets, new play area, bog garden, wildlife area and more.

A Friends group spokesman said: "It was a really well attended event with a whole variety of different age groups enjoying the wildlife stalls and wellbeing activities. There were also some new faces in the park, finding out about the Lottery project and giving some really positive feedback on the proposed plans, which is very encouraging."

Visitors also had the opportunity to vote on what activities and sports they’d like to see in the park.

The afternoon was rounded off with a raffle organised by the Friends group, which raised funds towards a sensory garden which will include a series of raised beds that can be tended by various community groups. It will enable those who might not be physically or mentally able to enjoy the outdoors as a group. So far, the Friends have raised £14,000 of their £20,000 target fund.

Jane Biscombe, town clerk for Weymouth Town Council, said: "What a fantastic event. It’s so important for people to be active and what better way than by enjoying exercise outdoors in the sunshine. The Lottery plans to restore the park sound very exciting and it’s great to hear that so many people are engaged with the project."

To donate money towards the sensory garden or to find out more about the heritage lottery project, visit radipoleparkandgardensfriends.wordpress.com