Organisers have given their thanks to the public following the success of a new event.

Visitors flocked to Lyme Regis for the inaugural 'I Love Lyme Day', which saw money raised for some of Lyme's community groups and other charities.

The day was held instead of the town's Community Week, and saw several events held.

Cllr Cheryl Reynolds, chairman of the Tourism, Community and Publicity Committee, said: "The council is thrilled with the success of the first-ever I Love Lyme Day.

"The programme was put together in a short space of time and all those involved worked so hard to make it a worthwhile event, with the aim of supporting local organisations.

"We were so lucky with the weather. The day started off with rain but by the time the first event started in the late morning, the sun was out and the crowds grew.

"It was great to see so many local people and visitors supporting the events, helping us raise more than £1,300 for Lyme Regis organisations."

As well as events such as beach cricket, an over 60s walking race and five-a-side beach football, there was a display from The Flying Circus formation wing-walking team over the bay, and a parachute drop from the RAF Falcons,before the day finished off with a firework display on the Cobb.

This year was the first time in more than 40 years that the town did not have a visit from the Red Arrows, with the council's application for the RAF's aerobatic display team turned down in March this year.

The summer air show was scheduled to take place on the same day as I Love Lyme Day, but the day had already been allocated for engineering works.

The set-back however didn't stop visitors from donating their money to various good causes, with a total of £1,317.58 raised on the day.

The £667 raised during the Falcons display will be split between the four organisations who had stalls in the shelters: The Lyme Regis Pantomime Society, Lyme Regis Football Club, the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis, and Lym Valley Scouts.

The £650.58 raised during the fireworks will go to the mayor's charity, the St Michael's Parish Church tower fund.

Cllr Reynolds said: "All the events were free, which meant everyone could join in and enjoy a full day of attractions at absolutely no cost. People were however very generous in putting donations in the collection buckets and the local organisations who will benefit are grateful for every penny.

"The council would like to thank all those involved in helping to make I Love Lyme Day a success."