ACTOR Martin Clunes brought the sunshine – and his new puppy – to the Weldmar summer fete in Dorchester.

He joked that it had been sunny every time he had appeared at the event in the grounds of the Joseph Weld Hospice in Herringston Road.

Long-standing Weldmar supporter Mr Clunes, who lives near Beaminster, added: “This fete is the most action-packed fete I have ever been to. We come every year.

“They raise the most incredible amounts, £25,000 to £30,000 every year.

“They have the most amazing volunteers, who are so dedicated.”

Mr Clunes signed autographs and posed for pictures but also introduced his nine-month-old parson’s jack russell James Henry, known as Jim, which he said was a Christmas present.

Actor Julian Fellowes, who is a vice-president of Weldmar, was also among the guests and was on hand for the grand draw.

Visitors queued up the road for the gates to open at 11am for the 15th annual event.

There was a steady stream throughout the day as organisers expected about 2,000 people.

Sadie Roe, husband Martin, Jennifer, aged three, and James, aged seven, from Dorchester, enjoyed seeing the alpacas.

Jennifer said: “They had really soft fur.”

James added: “I liked the coconut shy.”

Mum Sadie added: “The fete is always a really great day out.”

There were stalls, a silent auction, competitions, a raffle, Vehicles of Yesteryear displays, Gold Wings motorcycles, refreshments and a children’s maze.

Volunteers Vikki Hallett and Sarah Faulkner manned the hospice sales stand.

Vikki said: “It’s been really busy.”

There was entertainment, including music, dog displays, gymnastics, cheerleaders, belly dancers, street dancers and line dancing.

All of the items on sale were donated and all of the helpers were volunteers.

Fete organiser Katie Slade said: “There were several hundred volunteers.

“Thanks must go to them and all the people who come every year.”

Teddy Cauldwell, aged three, from Chickerell, was with godmother Shirley Guest, grandmother Jo Garside and aunt Alicie Long.

Teddy, whose mum Alex is a nurse at the hospice, said: “I got a new rocket and have enjoyed myself.”

Theresa Harper, 61, formerly of Bridport and now of Watchet in Somerset, was visiting with her sister Pat Tate, 56, of Telford.

Theresa has a memorial bench and tree in the gardens for her late daughter Sara who died at the age of 27 from cancer.

Theresa said: “It has been a lovely day and it is good to see so many people at the fete.”

Dorchester mayor Les Phillips, who officially opened the fete, said: “The fete is a big fundraising event and I hope people will support Weldmar all of the year around.”