A SPECTACULAR series of summer events have helped raise thousands of pounds for a life-saving charity.

The RNLI's raft race, Seatown barbecue and West Bay fun day have raised £10,900 for the charity.

Carol Moss, secretary of the RNLI's Bridport branch, said: "It's been a very successful year. Last year's fun day was a complete washout due to the rain so we were pleased to have fantastic weather for all our events this year.

"Thanks to the public who have supported us. Everybody seemed to enjoy themselves and everyone has been very supportive."

The RNLI fun day took place on the Sunday of the bank holiday weekend.

The sun was shining and, despite a sea mist rolling, in both the Weymouth and Lyme Regis Lifeboats visited the harbour. The coastguard helicopter was called away mid-display, demonstrating how suddenly an emergency can unfold.

Refreshments were enjoyed in the Salthouse and many took on the challenge of the rolling horse, high striker, coconut shy and Hoopla stalls. Prizes were won throughout the day thanks to a tombola and various raffles. Late in the afternoon, the duck race took place on the river.

Organisers are pleased with this year's event and have issued a 'huge thank you' to everyone who gave 'so generously' both at the Salthouse and in the collecting buckets.

Mrs Moss said: "We would also like to thank Cains Farm and the Cornish Bakery for their continued support of this event. Commentary was provided by Ultrasound Public Address and the coastguard, whose help was much-appreciated. Finally, we wish to thank the many helpers and members of the public who gave their time to make the day a resounding success and assisted us with the clear-up."

The Seatown barbecue welcomed hundreds of visitors to the coast to enjoy a bite to eat and meet the Lyme Regis lifeboat crew, West Bay coastguards, St John Ambulance, Bridport firefighters and police.

This popular event alone raised £4,700.

Huge crowds people gathered around West Bay harbour on a sunny evening to watch rafts battle it out for first place in the ever-popular raft race.

There was no shortage of imagination with either the rafts or the costumes.

The RNLI relies heavily on events such as these to continue saving life at sea - 95 per cent of its total income comes from donations.