There's just three weeks to go until Dorchester is taken over by beautiful, bright sunflowers this summer to raise money for Dorset County Hospital's Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU).

From August 1, visitors to the county town will see a sunflower extravaganza, with sunflower sculptures suspended across South Street and the ground decorated with eco-friendly sunflower paintings by a local artist.

Borough Gardens also have beautiful sunflower varieties growing all summer long.

Shop windows around town will be decorated with sunflower displays and Dorchester's eateries will be selling limited edition sunflower bakes.

A percentage of the profit from the limited-edition food will be collected and visitors will be able to donate to the hospital through a QR code displayed in each shop taking part. 

The public can also vote for their favourite shop windows and bakes through an online vote.

More than 30 businesses have already signed up to be a part of Dorchester's Summer of Sunflowers. Many are going above and beyond for the cause such as Joey's Family Food on Antelope Walk, which is selling sunflower seeds all summer long and donating the profits to the project's charity (SCBU).

Dorchester Town Council is funding the town centre sunflower sculptures and organising the sunflower shop window display and bake competitions.

They are hoping that the sunflowers will add a welcoming vibrancy to the town this summer and put smiles on the faces of visitors and locals alike. 

Dorchester Town Council will work closely with Hazel Hoskin, from Maiden Castle Farm, who is organising this year's Dorset Sunflower Trail. 

About 750,000 sunflower seeds have been planted at the farm to create two spectacular trails for visitors from far and wide.

As well as the Sunflower Trail, visitors can also enjoy local ice creams, rest up at the café or bring a picnic and take-home cut sunflowers or souvenirs from the Sunshine Shack.

Half the proceeds of ticket sales will go to this year's chosen charity, Dorset County Hospital's Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU).

Dominic Sheehy, manager of Dorset County Hospital's SCBU, said: "We are grateful and very excited to have been chosen to be supported by this event – we have lots of plans for the unit and take great pride in providing the best possible facilities, services and care we can for our precious patients and their families."

If you would like to get your business involved, contact Connie Hollings on [email protected] for more information.