AN OLYMPIC-style event launches in Boscombe to coincide with the start of Rio 2016.

On Friday, August 5, the Boscombe Games arrives into town, running over two weekends and with a special launch event on the opening day.

A packed programme of activities will take place between 12pm and 3pm on Friday, suitable for families. Along the precinct, activities include a variety of dance workshops by Maloca, table tennis festival Ping!, free face painting, carnival stilt walkers, and live music from So Latin.

At 2.45pm, a parade will proceed along the high street led by London 2012 torch bearers including locals Judith Cooling and Peter Hellawell.

Judith was nominated after she swam for the Down's Syndrome World International Swimming Championships. She said: “I was over the moon and very proud of my achievement as a London 2012 torch bearer, and it has given me so many fantastic opportunities including travelling the world.”

Stefan Krause, Coastal BID manager, added: “The Boscombe business community is proud to announce the first Boscombe Summer Games with fun for all the family. Thank you to all the partners and supporters involved and to Boscombe Market who have kindly donated gift hampers to win.”

After the launch, the entertainment continues on Saturday, August 6, with arts and crafts workshops, sport and activity sessions, mini sporting competitions, live displays and more.

Those taking part will have the opportunity to earn medals throughout the event - entering as many sessions as they like over the six dates - with a chance to be a Boscombe Games medal winner and win a Boscombe market gold, silver of bronze gift hamper too.

There will be more Olympic-style fun and games the following weekend too, on August 13 and 14.

Any London 2012 torch bearers who would like to be part of the event can contact Dominique on hello@dominiquewallace.co.uk.