MARTIN Clunes' annual fundraiser has tallied up a record-breaking £90,000 for charity this year.

Buckham Fair, which is held every year on Mr Clunes' estate near Beaminster, raised funding for Weldmar Hospicecare this year.

The event, organised by Mr Clunes and his wife Philippa, took place in August - featuring horse and dog shows, as well as crafts and artisan exhibits.

This year a big wheel, dodgems, a carousel and a helter skelter were added to the list of attractions.

Mr Clunes said: "We started Buckham Fair soon after moving to Dorset out of a desire to help local charities.

"For us to break our own record in 2016 is a huge achievement and we feel proud to have so much support from sponsors, exhibitors, suppliers, volunteers and visitors from all around the globe.

"We could not have done this on our own and I’m incredibly proud to be part of it all. We are also especially thankful to the Barclays volunteer team that contributed to this day being such a success.”

The Doc Martin star was an eager judge of the dog shows, as well as welcoming visitors and thanking them for supporting Weldmar.

This year's event was boosted by superb weather. Organisers welcomed visitors who had travelled from as far as the United States and Australia in order to be part of this occasion, and watch some of the entertainment in the display ring - including the Gatwick Border Force Search Team and the Caspian Horse Society display.

Matt Smith, community and events fundraising manager at Weldmar Hospicecare, said: “On behalf of all of the staff, volunteers and patients at Weldmar Hospicecare I would like to thank Martin, Philippa and their dedicated committee for supporting our services for another year.

"We are delighted to be involved with this much loved event and even more so when we know that every penny that has been raised will make such a difference to people right here in Dorset.

"This extremely generous donation will mean that we can continue providing our high quality care, love and support to patients and their loved ones all across the county. We are extremely grateful.”

Money was also raised in memory of the Clunes' horse groom Lulu Covey, who died in a car crash on the A37 last year. Money was donated to the the Bransby Horses Rescue and Welfare Centre on behalf of the Louiza Covey Horse Fund.

Next year’s event will be held on August 20, 2017, where all proceeds from the event, surrounding activities and merchandising sales will be donated to the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance.