As heavy rain poured and strong winds battered the region, it was touch and go as to whether one of west Dorset’s most stunning events would go ahead - but organisers held faith.

Candles on the Cobb, which took place in Lyme Regis on Sunday, has been hailed as a ‘spectacular success.’

Not put off by bad weather during the day, organisers The Rotary Club of Lyme Regis put trust in the weather forecast and remained optimistic.

Luckily it paid off, and as 8pm came there was neither wind nor rain.

This year’s event had added poignancy, commemorating 100 years since the end of the First World War with a beautiful candle poppy on the beach constructed by the Royal British Legion.

Rotary club president, Peter Fortnam, said, that although they encountered a few problems he was delighted with the result and wanted to thanks everyone who both helped out and attended the event.

He said: “We weren’t able to put candles on the top wall.

“The huge swell added to the high tide meant that the waves were coming over the top in places and so the safety of some of our 150 lighters would have been compromised.

“However, we did put an additional row of candles on the lower level and relayed that over the loud speakers prior to the event.

“We did the best we could in difficult circumstances.

“Thanks to the 250 people who helped sponsor, organise and run the event.

“Wow - 250 volunteers from a town the size of Lyme Regis, what community spirit.

“It was a beautiful sight and the period of silent reflection once all the candles had been lit was very emotional indeed, once again surely one of the south west’s most spectacular and moving events.”

The Rotary is still adding up the amount raised from the event, which will be split 50/50 between the Royal British Legion and local youth causes.

Mr Fortnam added: We don’t yet know how much the event raised for our chosen charities but probably in excess of £7,000, which is a tremendous result given the weather on the day.