UNION flags, balloons and bunting fluttered proudly in the breeze as the Queen was toasted at jubilee street parties throughout the area.

Excited children enjoyed everything from games and competitions to jelly and cake while mums and dads organised tables groaning with food and drink. And neighbours joined forces to help with early celebrations for one of the biggest events the borough has ever seen.

Nowhere showed the jubilee community spirit more than Upwey, where a village picnic went ahead despite thieves stealing almost two-thirds of the 35 posters put up to advertise the event.

Organiser Helen Goodman said they lost one of the remaining posters when it was eaten by deer - but despite the losses everyone rallied round and up to 200 people thronged the paddock near Upwey House.

Among attractions were a fire-eater, a stilt walker, two bands, skittles, stalls, a bar, a bouncy castle, grass ski racing, a storyteller, a clown and vintage vehicles.

The event was opened by international author Minette Walters, who said: "I think it was fantastic.

"It was very enterprising and loads of people came which showed that people did want to celebrate the Jubilee locally.

"This is a community event which is very important."

Helen said: "It has been a wonderful day where the whole village joined in for a true community picnic for the jubilee."

Youngsters had earlier joined in the fun at Portland's Southwell School community party on Saturday, where they enjoyed attractions such as making a splash at the apple bobbing and hurling themselves into the welly throwing.

There was more fun on the island yesterday at a Fortunes-well street party opened by Portland's Deputy Town Mayor Norma Bodtger, who said: "It was a lovely day, it was well supported and everyone enjoyed themselves."

Elsewhere, the St Swithun's Band entertained crowds in Bucky Doo Square at Bridport, while back in Weymouth residents enjoyed more fun at another street party held in The Maltings.

At Sutton Poyntz there was a street party in an orchard off Mission Hall Lane, which was a very special event for Nick Maton, wife Alison and two-year-old son Matthew.

Nick, a police inspector at Swanage, said: "Our little son Daniel is one month old today, so it is a real family occasion for us.

"What better way to celebrate than with a jubilee party."

More street celebrations were held in Kitchener Road, Weymouth, where co-organiser Andrew Bryant said: "We had everything from food to face painting, a disco and races for the children. We held the party on the green, which we hope to get lottery money for so we can turn it into a special garden with seating."