25 YEARS AGO:

August, 20 1993

DISCOVERY: A local fossil hunter has uncovered the huge skull of a prehistoric fish-lizard.

The four-and-a-half-feet long head comes from an ichthyosaur which terrorised the waters off the south coast around 190 million years ago.

It was discovered by Chris Moore (35) last summer after storms pulled down large chunks of the cliff near Golden Cap exposing its jaw.

Mr Moore, who runs the Old Forge Fossil Shop at Lyme Regis, spent weeks carefully excavating his find.

JIMINY CRICKET: A three-inch long, spikey-tailed insect was taken into police custody after being found in Bridport.

Local businessman Gerry Lambert discovered what he thought might be a locust in his West Road Foundry and handed it over to the police.

They in turn contacted the Ministry of Agriculture.

IN BLOOM: Visitors turned out in force to admire exhibits at Netherbury flower show, staged in the village hall.

Although entries were slightly down on last year, gardeners presented a colourful display and were praised by Stan Hansen, standing in for chairman Jesse Davis.

50 YEARS AGO:

August, 16 1968

WINNERS; Messrs Creed Bros of West Swilletts Farm, Seaborough, have won, for the second time, the R.M. Gillingham Memorial Perpetual Challenge Cup offered by te Melplash Agricultural Society for the best managed and cultivated farm between 50 and 200 acres.

KEEPING DORSET BEAUTIFUL: 'We did it because it's worthwhile.'

Those were the words of one of 20 students helping to preserve National Trust land near Charmouth.

The students, who came from all over the country, spent last week clearing scrub land, restoring paths and generally seeing that the beautiful Dorset countryside remains unspoiled.

SHOW GOES ON: 'The North wind doth blow, but I don't think its going to snow".

These words of Alderman H.G. Smith, president of the Bridport Swimming Club and Mayor of Bridport, just about sum up this year's gala week.

The poor weather dampened the enthusiasm of both participants and holidaymakers but nevertheless some good fun was had.