HUNDREDS of people enjoyed perfect weather conditions as they accepted the invitation to ‘go fly a kite’ at the Eggardon Kite Festival.

Kite flying fans flocked to the West Dorset venue yesterday - Sunday, September 21 - to take part in the annual event which is now in its 18th year and included kite workshops and other activities.

Kite flyers young and old took their creations to the skies and made the most of the wind.

The popular festival is held on Eggardon Hill, an Iron Age hillfort near Powerstock, and proceeds will be donated to Powerstock School, Powerstock Hut, and other local causes.

It was organised by the Bridport Round Table for the first time this year and was previously organised by the Powerstock community.

The news of good weather at the event comes after the festival had to be abandoned last year due to bad weather as gusts began to blow over the tents, casting doubt over the future of the festival.

But Round Table chairman Pete Dacey told The News that this year’s festival had been a resounding success.

He added: “The Kite Festival is just a brilliant community event and this year we were blessed with good weather.

“We raised more than £3000 for various good causes and the festival saw more than 1800 people visit – which is fantastic news.

“A massive thank you must go to all who came along and had fun, together with the Powerstock community for inviting us to organise the event this year.

“We’re now in the process of setting a date for next year as the event marks an exciting day in the kite flying calendar.”

See all of this year's kite festival pictures in our picture gallery here.