A park in Weymouth is preparing for a sparkling free event which will take place this Sunday, November 24.

Lodmoor Country Park, on Preston Beach Road, will host the annual Sparkle in the Park from 3.30pm. A workshop creating lanterns from donated jam jars and tea lights will kick off the festivities, before participants embark on a candlelit walk around the park at 4.30pm.

Having taken place for almost a decade, Sparkle in the Park has become a staple of the local festive calender.

Dinah Ellis, from the Friends of Lodmoor Country Park, said: "This is something we do for the community to start the Christmas season. As a group, our remit is to protect, improve, and promote the park, and this event does all those things in a very simple way."

Members of the Friends group will be laying out lanterns around the park while visitors create their own beacons. There will also be an opportunity to make some simple Christmas decorations, with all materials recyclable and provided free of charge.

The short event will feature live music, and a stall will be selling a range of hot and cold drinks as well as mince pies and festive treats. The miniature railway will also be lit up and in action, while children will receive tokens to take part in a lucky dip provided by Morrisons.

Although admission and all the activities are free, donations will be welcomed to support the work of the Friends. The group works in partnership with the Parks and Open Spaces department of Weymouth Town Council, looking after the land and encouraging responsible enjoyment of the park's unique qualities.

Recent projects have included the development of a community green gym, a woodland walk and a wildflower meadow, which sees thousands of bluebells, primroses and snowdrops blossom every year.

Anyone taking part in Sparkle in the Park is invited to meet at the galleon children's play area. Children must be accompanied.

In the occurrence of severely wet or windy weather, the event may not go ahead. Check the Dorset Echo website or the event page on Facebook for updates and more information.