A group behind some of West Dorset's most popular events has a brand new committee.

There are several new faces at the helm of West Bay Days - which organises Pirates Day, West Bay Day, Bonfire on the Beach and Christmas tree on the green.

As well as being popular family events, these raise vital funds which are donated to local charities and good causes.

Headed up by Bridport Harbour Master James Radcliffe as chairman, the new committee were voted in at the group's annual general meeting on Monday at Haddon House Hotel, following the resignation of four of the previous committee who wanted to step down to give others a chance to get involved.

Mr Radcliffe is a long-serving committee member but has taken on the role of chairman for the first time.

As a parting gift, the outgoing committee presented awards to two beneficiaries. £1500 went to Cupboard Love, the local food bank and £500 to the new West Bay Discovery Centre due to open later in the year.

Sarah and John West, from West Bay Discovery Centre, and Steve Bartlett and Carrie Gamble from Cupboard Love attended the meeting to accept the donations.

Mr Radcliffe said: "This really is an exciting time in West Bay and the events we hold are very well thought of by visitors and residents alike. I helped instigate the first West Bay Day event six years ago and would like to thank the outgoing committee for their fantastic job in promoting West Bay and raising money for local groups. As a new committee we are really looking forward to continuing that success and pushing West Bay Days onwards and upwards. Our first event this year is Pirates Day on May 27."

Visit www.westbay.org.uk for more information.