MONTHS of hard work paid off when tens of thousands of people enjoyed the spectacular Swanage Regatta and Carnival.

They watched and participated in a wide range of entertainment designed to suit all ages over eight days.

See all the pictures from the 2015 Swanage Carnival in a gallery

Now organisers are planning to donate money raised at the event to a range of local charities.

Secretary Andy Wright said: "We would like to thank all those who came to the carnival, particularly at the beginning of the week when the weather threatened to ruin the parade.

"It would have been easy to go home because of the rain but they persevered and the sun came out just in time for the Superheroes parade."

Entertainment throughout the week included three fireworks displays, kayak racing, sandcastle competitions, a bingo night, children's disco and live music featuring dozens of local acts.

An It's a Knockout competition attracted a huge crowd and thrill seekers from age six to 60 queued to leap from a tower on to a giant airbag.

Only the Swanage Bay swim fell foul of the weather when the RNLI advised it was cancelled due to high winds.

A total of 80 committee members have given up their time over the last year to organise the event, which is a highlight in the town's calendar.

It is self-funded and committee members have also accepted applications from local charities for a share of any profit made.

Each year cash is given to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and around 20 other groups will receive a share this year. The 2015 chairman's charity is the men's health charity, theMovember Foundation.

Next year's Regatta and Carnival week will run from July 30 to August 6.