Thousands of people take part in Dorset Dinghy Day on the River Stour

All manner of wacky watercraft filled the river for Dorset Dinghy Day.

People of all ages took part in the free event, which started at Iford Bridge at around midday.

While some people simply enjoyed floating gently down the river with a drink in their hand, others had oars at the ready to row towards Tuckton. There were groups who went all out on the fancy dress, with Darth Vader even spotted on a dinghy.

Others took their dogs along for the ride.

James Osborne said it was the "biggest turnout yet" for the event, which is now in its sixth year.

"It's been brilliant. Everyone's been in good spirits and we've had some good weather finally.

"A group from the Dorset Rugby Club started Dorset Dinghy Day. It's just a day to have fun and appreciate the outdoors and how lucky we are to be in Bournemouth."

James said he and the event's fellow organisers, Mark Hancock and Joseph Barton, were "always conscious of waste on the river".

A clean-up job takes place after the event, and any inflatables left behind will be given to Isle of Wight-based brand Wyatt & Jack, which will recycle all the plastic and use it for products that will be sold at next year's event.

"Each year the event gets bigger, but the clean-up job doesn't," James said.

"We campaign so people pick up their litter as we don't want the river to be a mess for other users."