You might get a bit of a fright next time you hit the streets of Bridport.

As part of the ongoing revitalisation of the town's historic charter fair, students from the Sir John Colfox Academy came up with the idea adorning local shops with bespoke gargoyles representing what it is the they trade.

The idea came after students experimented with a selfie app that turned them into something resembling gargoyles. They then approached local shops offering to design their own bespoke monster, reflecting exactly what each shop is trading in.

Charter fair chairman, Arthur Woodgate, said: “When art teacher Kirsten McIlroy first approached us about this, we were initially at a loss to work out how it would fit in. Then, given the historical significance of this event – celebrating both the granting of our Market Charter by Henry III over 760 years ago and the reconfirmation of the right to hold a market by Elizabeth I a mere 464 year ago – it dawned on us that in those days you probably couldn’t go out for a night on the town without falling over a gargoyle or two. So we said 'yes, please.'”

With a limited number of gargoyles on offer, they were immediately snapped up by 22 local businesses. They will all display the 'monstrosities' in their windows or above doorways.

At 2pm on Friday, September 21, the students will present them to each of the local businesses in turn. They will be joined by the mayor, town crier and a musical accompaniment from David Powell.

Mr Woodgate added: "The organisers offer their sincere apologies to those businesses that will be gargoyle-less."

Bridport Charter Fair will take place between 10am and 3pm on Saturday, September 29.

The free event will be based in Bucky Doo Square and the Arts Centre, where a forecourt, auditorium, stage and foyer will be full of local community groups showing you exactly what they do and why they do it.

"This is set to be the liveliest charter fair in many years," said Mr Woodgate.

For more information, contact a.c.woodgate@btinternet.com or call 01308 423767.