The Lyme Regis Fossil Festival saw a return to form over the weekend, seeing just as many visitors as before the pandemic when it was last held.

The festival aimed to have a mix of fun events and academic talks to engage professionals, amateurs and youngsters.

It included exhibits from the Natural History Museum, Palaeontological Association, Bristol University's Palaeontology Department, and the Dinosaur Isle plus there were lectures in the Marine Theatre.

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There was also a 360 degree cinema in the Hub, shows from Iggy the Iguanodon, free face painting and fossil exhibits.

The event, which is in its 14th year, returned to in person this year after going online because of the pandemic.

However festival organiser Jon Doody says that the event attracted just as many people as it usually would before the pandemic, if not more, estimating roughly 12,000 people visited over the two days.

Mr Doody said: "The event did well, the crowds were very big, and the venues were busy throughout the two days.

"I've been waiting for three years for this, you put lots of effort into these things to make sure they go ok, and when you see the results and the smiling children, its just great.

"Its about getting kids to engage with things on their doorstep, which they can often overlook."

The Lyme Regis area is one of the most famous fossil sites in the world, and is a rich source of marine reptiles, fish and insect fossils, and was the place that one of the most famous paleontologists Mary Anning made many of her discoveries.

Mr Doody said: "It was remarkable how many kids dressed up as dinosaurs and Mary Anning, to be able to get them to talk to paleontologists passionately about dinosaurs, and to get a passionate response really helps to inspire them.

"The event has been going for 14 years, new discoveries are made every year and its really important to bring these new discoveries to people who love these things.

"In Lyme Regis because of our unique geology, we have a large number of people really passionate about fossils and paleontology, and the festival is a meeting point for fans from all across the UK and the world, it is a focal point of the community.

"Thanks to everyone from the exhibits and the volunteers for making such a great event."