FUNDRAISERS took to the skies to help a vital cause.

Jemma Botten, local businessman Tony Colborne of Conttego Associates, and trustee of the Bridport Area Development Trust Amanda Streatfeild, jumped 15,000ft in aid of the restoration of the Literary and Scientific Institute and its conversion to a work-hub and business development centre for the Bridport district.

Jemma’s mother Claire, organised the event as she is an experienced skydiver with more than 600 jumps but this was Jemma’s first time.

Amanda, who is chairman of the fundraising committee, said: “I am very grateful to Tony and Jemma for getting this going. It is not something I had ever wanted to do, but joining fellow fundraisers gave me the opportunity to coerce friends and colleagues into getting those much needed funds for the final push. 

“We have raised nearly £3,000 between us and it would be wonderful to add a few more pounds for the community fundraising pot.”

The Grade II listed institute in East Street has been empty – and deteriorating - since 1997 when Dorset County Council moved the library to South Street.

The volunteers formed the Bridport Area Development Trust in 2010 to take on the challenge of restoring the iconic Georgian building for community use.

The final stages of the project are now being completed after five years of planning and fundraising.

Major structural and external repair work has been completed, and work is taking place on the building’s interior. 

Earlier this month the Trust appealed to the town council for financial help to kit out a workspace hub.

The hub would contain 10 workstations and equipment for start-up businesses when the LSI reopens, which is expected to be within six months.

A centre manager has been appointed and began work earlier this summer to find occupiers for the office space, as well as helping to develop interpretation projects to share the building’s industrial heritage and role in the town.

Councillors agreed to support the bid for a grant in principle and earmark money but requested more information from the trust.

To donate to the group, visit mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/amandastreatfeild1, mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/tonycolborne1 or www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jemma-botten