A wintry washout did not stop people having an egg-cellent Easter.

Events took place across west Dorset over the weekend despite bursts of heavy rain.

The Grand Easter Egg Hunt at Colmers Hill, Symondsbury, saw a record-breaking turnout when more than 250 children and adults turned up determined to hunt down hidden Easter eggs.

Organised by the Friends of Symondsbury School, the event raised more than £1,200 which will go towards providing enrichment opportunities for the school's pupils.

The crowds were thrilled when the sun put in an appearance - as well as the Easter Bunny - and many local businesses supported the event by providing snacks and raffle prizes. The event was as a special one this year, as the school approaches its 150th anniversary celebrations in June.

Headteacher Emma Roberts said: "The Colmers Hill Egg Hunt is always a wonderful family occasion and this year we were blessed with a dry and sunny morning and a fantastic turnout. Some of the pupils had participated in a special Easter service at church before the hunt and their beautiful singing was then rewarded by the Easter Bunny's treats.

"In this, our 150th year, we reflect particularly on the support of our wonderful community, business sponsors and the hard work of the parents and pupils who make these magical events happen and who encapsulate the joyful and ambitious spirit of our school. Thank you to you all."

At Netherbury, villagers were delighted when the rain stopped and they were able to enjoy an Easter egg-spedition through the village, ending at the Hare and Hounds pub.

And visitors to the National Trust at Burton Bradstock were tasked with finding chocolatey treats.

Families ignored poor weather and mud to take part in an Easter egg hunt, solving clues with a nature theme.

Gill, trust membership recruiter, said: "Children visiting have definitely been learning and appreciating the fun we have provided for them."

Due to the heavy rain overnight on Easter Sunday, the hunt was moved into the rangers hut on Monday. Fellow trust member Steve said: "This is the first time in 10 years that I have had to leave my Wellington boots on for this long here because it is so muddy.

"However the event is going better than I thought it would be, and everyone that has attended has been good humoured. It's been so popular that we have had to open our overflow car park at various points to cope with the busy car park."

An Easter egg hunt that usually takes place at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens moved to Abbotsbury Children's Farm for the first time. Rain put a dampener on the hunt, but children still had a good time solving clues to win chocolate prizes instead.

Lyme Regis held its annual Easter Bonnet Parade on Easter Sunday, again to record crowds.

Town crier, Alan Vian, said: "It was incredible. There were lots of entries and lots of people lining the streets; it was amazing." The event is in its 20th year and saw more entries than ever before. It ended with the Lyme Regis Majorettes parading through the town displaying their new uniforms.

Unfortunately, due to heavy rainfall, the towns' annual Duck Race was cancelled on Monday. The RNLI, which helps catch the ducks, deemed the water too fast. The fundraiser, in aid of the Woodroffe School, was called off for safety reasons.