A SEA of umbrellas welcomed the New Trafalgar Dispatch as it rolled into Dorchester on the latest leg of its journey to London.

The replica post chaise - a horse-drawn carriage - travelled down High West Street from the Top o' Town where hundreds of spectators were waiting in the rain to welcome its arrival.

Dorchester was one of the towns where 200 years ago Lt John Richard Lapenotiere changed horses on his journey from Falmouth to the capital with news of the victory at Trafalgar and Nelson's death in the battle.

The original Lt Lapenotiere took just 37 hours to cover the 271 miles of the journey and changed horses 21 times in the process.

Nearly two centuries later, actor Alex Price is following in Lt Lapenotiere's footsteps by visiting significant places on the route - though at a slightly slower pace.

A lone Royal Marine bugler heralded the arrival of the post chaise in Cornhill and cheers greeted Mr Price as he climbed out to the striking yellow carriage.

And the cheers continued as he told those gathered of the famous victory at Trafalgar but the mood was more sombre when he proclaimed the death of Nelson.

The New Trafalgar Dispatch was welcomed to Dorchester by chairman of Dorset County Council Councillor John Peake, Dorchester mayor Richard Biggs and Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Captain Michael Fulford-Dobson.

Captain Fulford-Dobson was presented with a copy of the original dispatch and Coun Biggs and Coun Peake received copies of the New Trafalgar Dispatch from trainee naval officer Marc Jones who is currently training at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth.

Coun Peake said he hoped that the occasion would act as a reminder of the important part Dorset has played in the history of the Royal Navy.

A permanent reminder of Dorchester's important role in the journey of the original dispatch - a bronze plaque - was unveiled by Coun Biggs.

He said: "Thank you for the dispatch and the bronze plaque from the people of Dorchester. Both will be treasured."

The plaque, which outlines the story of the dispatch and the new Trafalgar Way, will be erected in Antelope Walk, the site of the Antelope Hotel, which is one of two coaching inns where Lapenotiere could have changed horses on his journey to London.