CHARITIES are set to benefit from a packed Bransgore Village Fun Day.

Bumper crowds attended the Bank Holiday Monday event, which was organised by the Bransgore Rotary Club's fun day committee.

Shortly after the event opened, committee chairman Ken Heap told the Daily Echo: "We're expecting around one thousand people here today, it looks like we're going to sell out the programmes so we are on target.

"We call it a fun day because it is to get people from the district in to have a good time. If we make some money, it all goes to charity."

Charities and causes that have benefited in previous years include the Bransgore Community Responders, Burton Scout Group, Burton Primary School, the Royal British Legion and Woofability.

Ken Heap said: "Purely by coincidence I'm also the chair of trustees of Dorset Mind. And this year, as a first, we've got five local recording artists, all in their teens from Bournemouth, who have come to play on behalf of Dorset Mind."

One of the performers, Calvin Glenn - a recipient of the prestigious Princess Diana Award - told the Echo: "I'm happy to be here supporting some fantastic causes, hopefully playing some lovely music in the beautiful sunshine."

Others taking the stage included Phil Collins cover act, Joe Hughes, Michael Bundell and Nicole McNally.

The fun day took place at the village recreation ground from 1pm.

Visitors enjoyed a dog show, dance performances, classic cars, stalls and live music from the stage performers and from Christchurch and Highcliffe Brass Band.

Favourites also included a zumba performance, Maypole dancing by Sopley School pupils, and a birds of prey display from Liberty's Owl and Reptile Centre.