A 'SPECTACULAR' event set to return for a bumper 10th birthday bonanza has the backing of a local solicitors firm.

Buckham Fair is celebrating a decade of raising vital funds for worthwhile causes, and Dorset solicitors Kitson and Trotman is the main sponsor for the third year running.

The popular event, which takes place on Martin and Philippa Clunes’ land at Buckham Down, began in 2008 and, since then, £512,500 has been raised for Weldmar Hospicecare Trust, Julia’s House Children’s Hospice and Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. This year the event is in aid of Dorset County Hospital Charity Cancer Appeal.

Mr Clunes said: “Last year, Buckham Fair saw more than 15,000 walk through the gates. We had 121 traders exhibit and over 100 individuals and businesses who sponsored, volunteered, supplied and supported the event – all for the sole purpose of raising as much money as we could.

“Being part of this huge achievement, and being involved in a cause of so much importance, is probably one of the biggest sentiments shared by Buckham Fair sponsors – both corporate and personal.

“We’re very pleased Kitson and Trotman has agreed to sponsor the event again this year. Without sponsors like them, we simply wouldn’t be able to deliver such a spectacular event, and raise so much funding for deserving causes in West Dorset.

“It’s a special year for Buckham Fair. In 2018 celebrate our 10th anniversary and because of that, this year’s show is going to be bigger and better than ever before."

Richard King, a partner in Kitson and Trotman, which has offices in Beaminster, Bridport and Lyme Regis, said the firm had 'no hesitation' in supporting Buckham Fair again. Mr King said: “So many people enjoy the event and it raises an incredible amount for really important local charities. As a firm founded in West Dorset in 1756, and at the heart of the local community ever since, we are committed to supporting the work of local organisations.

“Every year, Kitson and Trotman supports various local events, including The Melplash Show, Beaminster Festival, Bridport Literary Festival, The Henry Smith Ball, Cattistock Countryside Show, Bricky Horse Trials and Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week.”

This year, Buckham Fair organisers hope to raise £100,000 towards building a new cancer care centre in Dorchester.

To mark the event's 10th anniversary, it will offer a host of new events, including an attempt at a World Guinness Record to have the largest number of dogs sitting simultaneously on a command for 30 seconds.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a variety of artisan, craft and other trade stands from local suppliers as well as a food court and beer tent. There will be a classic car display, funfair and the opportunity to take part in horse, pony and dog classes on the day.

Martin Clunes’s Men Behaving Badly co-star Neil Morrissey has been invited to judge ‘The Dog Even More Like Neil Morrissey Competition’

Buckham Fair takes place on Sunday, August 19.