ENGLAND rugby star Danielle Waterman has been urging people to have a go at all sorts of sports in Dorchester.

The women's rugby player, who won her first England cap at 18, was guest of honour at the West Dorset Sports Festival at the Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre.

Canoeing, football, fitness classes and water polo were among the sports on offer for people to try for free at the event, organised as part of Dorset Active Leisure Month.

Representatives from local groups including the Women's Running Network Dorchester and the district angling society as well as leisure centre staff were on hand to help visitors get involved in a new activity.

Sarah Davies, sports development officer for West Dorset District Council, said people might also be inspired to take up rugby after meeting Danielle.

She said: "We have run similar sports events in schools in the district before but this district-wide festival is aimed at people of all ages.

"The idea is to get more people into sport."

Robert Gould, leader of the district council, said: "The festival is a fantastic way for people in the district to find out about the variety of sporting and leisure activities available to them locally."