THIS year's Swanage Regatta and Carnival raised £23,000 for charity, it has been confirmed.

Bumper crowds packed the Purbeck seaside town for eight days earlier this summer, for the event which had a soaps and sitcoms theme for 2016.

Organisers said more then 40,000 people lined the seafront and surrounding roads for the carnival parade alone.

This year's top three organisations to receive donations, each of £2,000, were the Forest Holme Hospice, Swanage Area Dementia Friendly Community, and the Swanage Community Defibrillator Partnership.

A further 22 chosen charities - including the Dorset Mental Health Forum - also received donations.

Swanage Carnival chairman Becky Mack said: "Being able to give away £23,000 to fantastic organisations operating in our community was a great honour.

"It makes all the hard work throughout the year worthwhile.

"The evening gives us the opportunity to meet representatives of the organisations and to understand more about the services they provide.

"It is great to know that the money raised will make a difference in our local area."

The money was awarded at a special presentation evening, which also gave the carnival committee the opportunity to thank the individuals, businesses, emergency services and Swanage Town Council for making the summer event possible.

Since 2005 the Swanage Regatta and Carnival has raised more than £250,000 for local charities and organisations.

This summer's extravaganza included a host of activities including a zipwire at Prince Albert Gardens, wacky races, a sailing regatta, dog show, fireworks, a motorbike stunt show in the main arena and live music.

Preparations are already underway for the 2017 event.

Contact chairman@swanagecarnival.com if you would like to be involved in putting on the show.