A CELEBRITY chef is backing Bridport's first ever 'green fortnight' which kicks off on Friday (24).

A series of events are being organised by Transition Town Bridport, with residents being urged to support local businesses and be more environmentally friendly.

The project has also won support from broadcaster and campaigner Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, who runs River Cottage.

Mr Fearnley-Whittingstall, known for his commitment to local, seasonal ingredients, said he is pleased that the green fortnight includes a buy local campaign.

He said: “Bridport is a vibrant town with a track record of running great events.

“I’m sure the green fortnight will continue this tradition. It’s a great opportunity to showcase what Bridport does well and to celebrate the independent spirit and local enterprises that make it a dynamic, forward-thinking place.”

He added: “The provenance of food – where it comes from and how it is produced - is so important.

“If we support small producers who are doing things well, we get better food, with far fewer food miles attached - and of course the local economy benefits too.”

During the green fortnight, many of Bridport’s shops will be featuring local goods, energy efficient and environmentally friendly products in their displays, and labelling local goods with “Buy Local Bridport” labels. Some cafés will be creating special dishes using local ingredients, while the town hall clock will turn green in support.

The project will be launched at 7.30pm on Friday (24) at Bridport Town Hall and will feature Green Party MEP for the south west, Molly Scott-Cato. A host of other events are scheduled across the town, including at Bridport Library and Bucky Doo Square.

Organiser Sarah West from Transition Town Bridport, said: "The event is about creating opportunities for local people to get together, celebrate what we do well and be inspired towards a more sustainable lifestyle.

“Bridport is lucky to have a high street full of local businesses - so one of our key messages is ‘buy local first’. Local businesses have a lot to offer in terms of excellent products and customer service. If we all shift a little more of our spending towards them, this will create far greater benefit for the local economy than money spent in chain stores or on the internet. Spending £10 on local food boosts Bridport’s economy by £17.60. By re-using and recycling wherever possible we can also help lessen the impacts of climate change.

“We have a Facebook page and we urge people to visit this during the Fortnight to post photos and tell us what has inspired them”.

For more information, please visit transitiontownbridport.co.uk