A town surveyor has been handed an award for his contribution to tourism.

The Bridport and District Tourism Association (BDTA) held the first of its social meetings for 2018 at Haddon House Hotel in West Bay in January where Daryll Chambers, Bridport Town Surveyor, was recognised with the award.

BDTA chairman Simon Miles said the award was given to Mr Chambers for his 'continuing hard work ensuring the Bridport Market and numerous events in and around the town continue to run smoothly'.

Mr Miles added: "Daryll is a member of the National Association of British Market Authorities and was

asked to speak at their conference in London.

"In May 2017 Bridport was host to one of the NABMA roadshows, one of only five nationally. He is highly regarded around the town and has played a key role in the delivery of many of the Town Council’s priority projects often involving the diverse groups within the local community. This includes the Heritage Lottery Funded Town Hall restoration project,

project managing the delivery of the popular fully accessible West Bay Play Area, building the West Bay Water Sports Centre, making improvements to the skate park, as well as working on projects for other organisations such as the Museum, West Bay Methodist Chapel and managing the building of the South Street toilets for West Dorset District Council.

"He was also instrumental in enabling heritage street lighting to be provided in the town centre. Daryll is very highly regarded throughout the town and also by other agencies and the District and County councils. He has made and continues to make a major contribution to Bridport and West Bay, both through his work with the Town Council and in his support for other town organisations."

Previous winners of the award include Hugh Fearnly Whittingstall, Chris Chibnall and Arthur Watson.

The BDTA meets bi-monthly and as a group acts to protect and promote its membership and also to act as a united voice for the local tourism sector offering support and lobbying for matters of importance and relevance within the local area.

One matter the BDTA has identified is the importance of working closely with the Bridport Business Chamber and members of the chamber were invited to attend, meet and

network at the social last week.

Mr Miles opened the meeting with a brief overview of the 2017 season and the direction the group sees itself moving going forward before handing the floor to the guest speakers for the evening, Sam Rose and Guy Kerr from the Jurassic Coast Trust.

Sam and Guy spoke about their roles and the role of the Trust and introduced the opportunity and benefits to the group of becoming Jurassic Coast Business Partners.

Anyone interested in joining the BDTA can email bridporttourismchairman@gmail.com for more information.