A Salway Ash company is supporting an ambitious £85million Jurassic Coast visitor attraction to rival the Eden Project.

The ‘Jurassica’ project, which has the backing of Sir David Attenborough and Eden Project supremo Sir Tim Smit, is to build a subterranean geological park in the former Yeolands quarry on the east side of Portland.

It is being inspired by the Eden Project, which was built in an old clay pit in Cornwall and has become one of the UK’s most popular attractions.

Jurassica is the brainchild of science journalist Michael Hanlon, who grew up in Dorset and searched for fossils on the coast.

The project has already received support from more than 60 Dorset businesses, but now West Dorset vineyard and winery Furleigh Estate has been added to that list.

The company recently donated their award-winning sparkling wine for an exclusive private dinner at Bournemouth University for the project.

Rebecca Hansford of the Furleigh Estate said: “It’s an amazing idea especially on Portland, which missed out on the Olympics boost.

“Jurassica has great plans involving the community and it’s going to be a worthwhile project for Dorset.

“If we think about the Eden Project people come from all over the world to see it, so here’s hoping that will be the same for Jurassica if it comes off.

“I want the Eden Project on my doorstep. People will visit Jurassica and want to sample West Dorset produce so it would be great news for us.

“Anything we can do to support Jurassica we will try our hardest to do.”

Of the partnership with Furleigh Estate, Jurassica project co-ordinator Alison Smith said: “Our ethos of local procurement will be a boost to the local economy, at this early stage we are already engaging with and consulting with local businesses.

“Furleigh Estate has supported Jurassica from the start. of the venture. We are delighted to have such a fantastic, award-winning business on board.”

During the evening, a short film presented by David Attenborough and recorded by university students was screened and a scale model of Jurassica created by Renzo Piano, the architect behind The Shard in London, was revealed to guests.

Mr Smit also spoke to guests about the impact Eden has made to Cornwall, and how Dorset may expect the same.

For details about Jurassica visit jurassica.org or for more on the Furleigh Estate visit furleighestate.co.uk