MORE than 100 people attended Watchet Pride after a last-minute venue change.

The event was originally intended to take place at West Street Beach - the site of an appalling homophobic attack which inspired the gathering.

Police are looking into the incident but the group were keen to throw an event which celebrated inclusion and love in the wake of the attack.

Pete Stevenson, chairman of the Watchet Pride group, announced on Friday the venue would be changed due to extreme weather being forecasted.

Instead of the beach, the group took to The West Somerset Hotel to celebrate instead.

Mr Stevenson said: “We would like to thank Harry and Michelle at the hotel for hosting us with such little notice and it was great to see the police show support."

The event saw live music from seven musicians combined with speeches from John Irven, mayor of Watchet, James Knight, from Unite the Union, and Jak Furlong, a transgender man.

“Local people donated food, children decorated pebbles, the live music and a karaoke all combined to create a great evening of colour and creativity,” Mr Stevenson added.

The group still plans to hold the West Street beach party on a Saturday before the end of summer.

Anyone wishing to help, send messages of support or request information should contact the group’s Facebook page “Watchet Pride” or call Mr Stevenson on 07896867799.