TWO television stars are set to open this year's West Bay fun day.

EastEnders stars Ricky Groves and Cliff Parisi, who are well known for playing Garry and Minty in the hit soap opera, will be getting together again to open the event at 2pm on 3 August.

Ricky, who also recently appeared in Strictly Come Dancing and ITV’s celebrity diving show ‘Splash’, said: “West Bay is a wonderful place and I’m really looking forward to coming back. The harbour, beautiful beach, dramatic cliffs and lovely countryside make it a great place to visit, and I might get in a spot of fishing!”

Cliff also appears in BBC drama ‘Call the Midwife’. 

The action-packed day will include live music from 1pm until 11.30pm. Lots of children’s activities will be on offer, including a free graffiti wall and a ‘Silly Selfie’ competition.

There will be an outdoor bar by the Crown Inn. On the seafront from 1pm there will be a display of classic cars, a bouncy castle with slides, a surfboarding simulator and community stands. On the Mound there will be a ‘History of West Bay from 1914 -1918’ stand, with a chance to win a signed copy of Kate Aidie’s new book “Fighting on the Home Front”.

Cream teas will be served by the RNLI ladies at the Salt House and the Sea Cadets will also be there offering skittles, a crockery smash and rowing on the River Brit.

At about 9.15pm the pier will be lined with candles, which will be on sale during the day. If you buy a candle you will be invited to dedicate the candle in a memories book, which will be displayed in St. John’s Church at West Bay. The proceeds of the candles will be donated to Weldmar. The Jurassic Pier will then be opened for candlelit walks.

The event, which has been organised by Chairman of West Dorset District Council Gillian Summers and West Bay Harbourmaster James Radcliffe, will raise money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) and the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.

Councillor Summers said: “This will be a great day that celebrates all that West Bay has to offer and it is not too late for any community groups to register to have a stand and raise money for their own good cause.

“Don’t miss the surprise spectacular at 10.15pm, which will be best viewed from the West Pier.”

West Bay Day, which celebrates the area’s rich history and heritage, dates back to 1844 when it was known as the West Bay Regatta.