FAMILIES enjoyed a thank you party in Dorchester for their efforts to help Haiti.

The Rotary Club of Dorchester and the Rotary Club of Dorchester Caster-bridge held the free event for people from the county town and surrounding villages.

Spokesman Pauline Camm said: “It was to say thank you for their unfailing support during the campaigns to raise funds to help those made homeless following the earthquake in Haiti and the tsunami in Sumatra.”

She added: “Everyone had a grand day out and it was a fitting way to express our thanks to those who support Rotary throughout the year.”

The crowd enjoyed picnics whilst listening to music from the Dorchester Big Band, music and songs from schools and the Mill Street Jazz Band.

There was also a dedication to former Rotarian Henry Lock with his widow Helen and sisters.

Mrs Camm said: “It was a bright, sunny day of fun and thanksgiving and the perfect opportunity to dedicate a bench in memory of distinguished Dorchester Rotarian Henry Lock who died in 2009.

“Henry was the longest serving member of the Rotary Club of Dorchester having joined in 1951.

“In January, 1924 Henry’s father Major Henry Osmond Lock was a founder member of the Dorchester club.

“The bench was inscribed with the words: Henry Ensor Fossett Lock, Solicitor, Rotarian and true man of Dorchester.”