The Mayor of Dorchester welcomed her counterparts from across Dorset to the county town on Wednesday, for the annual civic day.

Cllr Janet Hewitt hosted mayors and council leaders and their escorts from across the county, to show off the best Dorchester has to offer.

Among the guests was the chair of Dorset Council, Val Pothecary, as well as mayors from Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth, Bridport, Lyme Regis and other neighbouring towns.

The day started with coffee in the cafe at Shire Hall Museum, where leaflets and promotional materials about Dorchester attractions and upcoming events were handed out.

The party then enjoyed a tour of Shire Hall Museum, a former court house and award-winning social justice museum, bringing 200 years of justice to life.

The guests enjoyed touring the former court room, trying on the judge's wigs and hats and getting an up close look at jail cells that would have once housed historic figures such as the Tolpuddle Martyrs.

The party then moved on to Dorset Museum, where they were given another guided tour around the attraction, which recently underwent a major £16million refurbishment.

The day concluded with a 'Save a Life' training session given by the mayor with representatives from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Cllr Hewitt said: "A number of local dignitaries from across the county were invited to the town to get a taste of what makes Dorchester so special and to gain an understanding of why Dorchester is such a desirable place to live and work.

"The day, known as Dorchester Civic Day, took us to the Shire Hall Museum and the Dorset Museum, both of which contain the history of the people of Dorset.

"The Civic Day is a fantastic way to promote Dorchester and help spread the word of just what Dorchester has to offer.

"A massive thank you to both the museums. They were fantastic, their guides were very welcoming. 

"The day was a total success. I personally thank all those that attended."

Those attending were as follows:

• The Chairman of Dorset Council
• The Mayor of Blandford Forum
• The Mayor of Bournemouth
• The Mayor of Bridport
• The Mayor of Chickerell
• The Mayor of Lyme Regis
• The Mayor of Poole
• The Mayor of Portland
• The Mayor of Shaftesbury
• The Mayor of Sherborne
• The Mayor of Sturminster Newton
• The Mayor of Weymouth
• Mayor of Wimborne Minster