A huge RNLI fundraiser has kicked off with a bang - despite severe weather.

Tourists have flocked to Lyme Regis for the annual Lifeboat Week, which started on Friday.

Events have taken place in the town with the aim of raising money for the charity.

The welcome display by Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat was held on Saturday but without the Shannon Class lifeboat from Exmouth.

Her volunteer crew were called out to assist a 25ft yacht which had been dismasted, and was towed safely to West Bay Harbour.

On the boats way back to Exmouth, the lifeboat crew staged a demonstration of the vessels versatility for hundreds on Lyme Regis beach.

Another event which took place was the fun run, which saw fifty competitors brave the bad weather on Sunday to run the 2.3 kilometre course along the seafront.

It was a family success for Alexander Thiele, aged 55, and his son Thomas, aged eight, holidaymakers from Newcastle.

Alexander won the adult section of the race and Thomas the under nine section.

Jack Braddock, from Peterborough, was the first over nine to finish the race.

On Tuesday, not one but two famous faces visited to the town.

Lord Julian Fellowes and his wife, Emma, arrived at the lifeboat station to meet the crew and volunteers, as well as taking to the sea in the harbour masters boat to start the tug-of-war contest with the mayor of Lyme Regis, councillor Michaela Ellis.

One surprise guest to event however, was Question Time host David Dimbleby, who was sailing with his son, Henry on their way to Dartmouth.

The result of the tug-of-war between the lifeboat crew and the town's football team saw the footballers win two pulls to one.

Some events over the weekend had to be postponed due to the heavy rain and high winds.

These included the swimming challenge, which was due to take place on Saturday, and has been moved to tomorrow from 7pm and 7.30pm, and the bathtub race, which was due to take place on Sunday and will take place today (Thursday, August 2) from 6pm.

Ken Lavery, chairman of the Lifeboat Week organisers, said: "We were sorry to postpone some events, but of course our paramount concern is the safety of everyone taking part.

"And the forecast for the rest of the week was good so postponement seemed the best plan."

Lifeboat Week will continue until tomorrow (Friday, August 3), and will finish with a firework display at The Cobb from 10pm.