BRIDPORT’S historic Charter Fair will be celebrating more than the granting of the market charter - it will be honouring the work of two people who have made an invaluable contribution to youngsters in the town.

The event will be declared open by the Mayor at 10am and compere Chris Deacon will be overseeing a wealth of entertainment in Bucky Doo Square, beginning with the St Swithun’s Band, followed by Local Vocal, Shiraz, Last Gasp, Gary Smith on slide guitar, and the Pete Pope Band.

At 11am Charter Fair veteran Sandra Brown will present the Charter Fair Trophy to two local residents who have worked selflessly on behalf of young people over a number of years.

Robert Ridge is being recognised all the work he has done keeping the Trick Factory going for more than 17 years providing young people with one of the few indoor skate parks in the South West.

The skatepark is now closed as the building housing it is on the St Michael's trading estate which is in line for redevelopment.

The other recipient is Debbie Bird who, at the age of 14 helped design the original West Bay play area, at 17 helped raise money to create it, and six years later in 2016 was still involved in developing the extension allowing equality of access for all.

Throughout the day local organisations will be running their stalls, both to raise awareness of what they are about, and to raise some much-needed funds.

South Street will not be closed as in previous years. Since the event is a celebration of the market, the Charter Fair stalls will for the first time be embedded throughout the market itself.

For more information contact Teresa Grinter on teresagrinter45@gmail.com