THE sun blazed down on Highcliffe Castle for the annual Scottish Country Dancing.

Members of the Bourne-mouth Caledonian Society felt the heat as they performed on the castle's lawn.

Visitor numbers were good as people young and old watched the delightful show of swirling patterns of tartan and plaid as the dancers reeled and jigged their way through the afternoon.

The event was free for everyone although a collection was taken with all proceeds going to the Echo-backed Domino Appeal.

The mayor and mayoress of Christchurch, Cllr Eric and Mrs Barbara Spreadbury, opened the event, which is now in its seventh year.

Manda Graham, the castle's exhibitions and events manager, said: "It went really well. This has become a really popular event."