INFLATABLE pizzas, ducks, unicorns and even a 40ft battleship set sail on Saturday for Dorset Dinghy Day.

The popular event, now in its fifth year, saw more than 1,000 people take to the water despite the unfavourable forecast for what was the most successful Dorset Dinghy Day yet.

The flotilla set off at 12pm with participants making their way down the River Stour from Iford Bridge to Tuckton Bridge while those on dry land watched on.

A 40ft battleship complete with artillery and a wheelhouse was one of the most impressive vessels to float down the river.

Iford Baptist Church held a BBQ at the start of event which raised £300 for the Salvation Army, Hope in the Community Southbourne and The Haggai Institute.

A total of 21 volunteers from the church assisted at the event, with 12 other volunteers at the exit point including 15-year-old Jack Williams.

After the event, many headed onto The Riverside pub where a special outside bar had been set up provided by Ringwood Brewery and Peroni.

Organiser Joe Barton said: “It was really good, we had a really good turnout and we’re really really happy.”

“It’s so hard to gauge but this year was definitely busier than last year. It’s definitely our busiest year and we had over a 1,000 people turn out. It’s built year on year, last year we had around 800.”

The event was started in 2014 by a group of players from the Dorset Dockers Rugby Club.

Joe added: “What was a little a bit of fun, has become an annual event that community expects and long may it continue.”

“It will always remain free and raising money for charity has become a prominent part of it which we’d like to build on. We may introduce live music at the start but it’s really just building on the success and listening to feedback.”