CROWDS turned out to watch a community fireworks event despite torrential rain.

Southill Fireworks returned for the 16th year and organisers say they are pleased with the ongoing success of the event, although they were unlucky with the weather.

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The heavens opened as the fireworks began at 8pm, stopping when they finished.

There was also a heavy shower shortly after the gates opened.

Organiser Jon Gabb said: “It was unbelievable really. Our pyrotechnic team got soaked.

“Some people obviously went home, it’s hard when you’ve got small children with you and you’re faced with bad weather like that.

“But a lot of people stayed and I’ve been hearing good feedback despite the rain, so I’m glad that people enjoyed it.”

The Southill Fireworks event’s main charity this year is the Three Ells Trust, which is based on Portland.

It was chosen after Jon and his brother Paul asked for charity nominations on the event’s Facebook page.

Jon said: “It’s not a very well known charity, but they do a lot of good work looking after children with terminal illnesses.”

Money was also raised for the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust, Clic Sargent and a Southill-based charity playgroup.

The event was held for the second year at Budmouth College. Organisers moved the venue after it became increasingly popular.

Jon said: “Although we have now moved to Budmouth, we are still keeping Southill at the heart of what this event is about, and supporting a lot of groups and charities.

“Our ethos will always be community-hearted and not-for-profit.”

As well as charity stalls and the fireworks display, the family event included a hog roast and licensed bar.

The event originally started as a fireworks event for friends and family in memory of Jon’s late father, Maurice, but has grown in popularity every year.

Jon added: “It is traditionally held a little later than other events, but this way I always feel people can go to all the events they want to without having to choose, and it rounds off the fireworks season in a nice way.”