A spectacular event is coming to Dorchester to raise much needed funds for a local hospital's chemotherapy appeal.

Dorset County Hospital is gearing up for its first ever Summer Spectacular event, which will be held on Saturday, July 6 from 2pm until 5pm on the former Damers School field on Damers Road in Dorchester.

The event will be officially opened by the Deputy Mayor of Dorchester, David Taylor. There will be a traditional fete with stalls and games, as well as a performance arena and a grand raffle.

The top raffle prize is a duchy hamper, with other prizes including various vouchers for Swanage Steam Railway, Cineworld, Weymouth Bay Rib Charter, Falmer Palmers, The Weymouth Stable and much more.

There will be a host of performances on the day by local people, including Dorchester's town crier, Alistair Chisholm, as well the Twirl Academy and Stagecoach.

A number of emergency vehicles and classic, vintage and retro cars will be on display for people to have a look at as well.

All proceeds from the day will be going towards the DCH charity’s chemotherapy appeal, alongside other good causes.

As a result of the success of the cancer appeal, which raised £1.75million, the DCH Trust now plans to upgrade the hospital's existing chemotherapy unit in line with the quality of outpatient and radiotherapy services now available in the Robert White Centre.

Susie Palmer, from the organising committee of the upcoming Summer Spectacular event, said: “We’re really looking forward to staging our first ever Summer Spectacular. Our organising committee have been working very hard to bring together a host of attractions for an afternoon of fun for the whole family.

“We’d like to thank our supporters and staff from throughout the hospital who are getting involved, as well as the many local businesses who have generously donated raffle prizes.

“Please come along on the day and show your support for your local hospital.”

Raffle tickets can be purchased from main north wing reception at DCH or on the door at the event, with the draw taking place at 4.30pm.