Our pick of the top ten events this week...

1. An exhibition of paintings called Surfaces by the Sky Arts award-winning artist Richard Allen is now on at Lighthouse, Poole and runs until December 2. Free entry.

2. The seventh Arts By The Sea festival runs all this week with a range of curious character installations and bespoke transformations. See artsbythesea.co.uk

3. Wimborne Drama Productions are performing Giles Havergal’s clever stage adaptation of Graham Greene’s comic novel Travels with my Aunt at the Tivoli Theatre from Thursday until Saturday. Contact the Tivoli box office on 01202 885566 or book online at tivoliwimborne.co.uk

4. This week is your last chance to join the National Trust's free guided walks on Brownsea Island to see how many rare red squirrels you can spot. Runs until Friday October 20. For more details, email brownseaisland@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01202 707744

5. The Regent Rep will be performing the Agatha Christie classic, And Then There Were None, at the Regent in Christchurch from Thursday to Saturday at 7.30pm, with a 2.30pm matinee on the Saturday. Contact the Regent on 01202 499199 or online at regentcentre.co.uk

6. Join the former children's laureate and best-selling author, Dame Jacqueline Wilson, at the Lighthouse on Sunday at 2pm to hear how she started her writing career. Find out how she created some of her best-loved characters as well as finding out about her brand-new book, Hetty Feathers Christmas. Tickets £7 adults, £5 children (includes entry and a copy of Hetty Feathers Christmas )

7. The ELO Experience is at Bournemouth Pavilion on Wednesday, October 18 and will include songs from the Out of The Blue album to celebrate its 40th birthday.

8. Jon Richardson is at the Pavilion on Saturday, October 21. The British Comedy Award nominee and star of Live At The Apollo and 8 Out Of 10 Cats is embarking on a nationwide tour to complain about the state of the world and offer no solutions.

9. The Wimborne Minster Food and Drink Festival takes place in the town centre on Saturday from 10am to 4pm There'll be stalls and displays in the Square, Willow Walk, the High Street and the Cornmarket. Almost 100 exhibitors are expected.

10. Help clear litter from Studland Beach and enjoy a stroll at the same time. Seashore Scavengers meet on the third Sunday of the month from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Meet at the Discovery Centre. Free event.