DORSET’S first Diwali festival went down a storm in Wimborne on Saturday, according to its organiser.

The Hindu Festival of Light event took place in Wimborne Square on Saturday and raised cash for Wimborne Hospital and the Wells of India charity.

It began with the Wimborne Militia, who handed over to some Indian dancers.

There was dancing, singing, food and sweets and free storytelling at the Red Fort restaurant.

Walford Mill and the Priest’s House Museum held free workshops, while there were also opportunities for face painting and henna tattoos.

Organiser Moe Kochar, who runs Red Fort, said: “I’m born and bred in Wimborne and always wanted to organise a Diwali festival and bring my culture to my home town.

“The council loved it and want to see it bigger next year. It’s a multi-cultural event and people seem to like something different.

“Bringing a Diwali festival to a small town like Wimborne went down really well, everyone loved it.

“It’s the first Diwali festival in Dorset, so for Wimborne to do it is a big thing. I want a fireworks display next year and it will get bigger and better.

“I didn’t expect the turnout that I got and to have so many non-Indians here was really good and children and families loved it.

“Everyone from children to pensioners were dancing and singing in the workshops.”

Moe thanked East Dorset District Council, the Wim-borne Business Improvement District and all of the sponsors who supported the event.