AN ANNUAL event will return to the town centre after organisers acknowledged moving it last year "had not been a success".

The Charter Fair was moved to Mountfield last year, but will this year return to South Street when it is held in May.

Former event coordinator Arthur Woodgate has rejoined the Charter Fair Committee as chairman.

This year's event will take place on Saturday, May 13, linking up with the Rope Festival, which will be held on the following day.

Mr Woodgate said: "It was acknowledged that the move to Mountfield in 2016 had not been a success, and the fair would therefore be returning to South Street in 2017.

"Everything needs a re-think now and again and the Charter Fair has had a healthy number of these over a period of some years - time for another, we all agreed."

Linda Larcombe will continue as vice-chairman of the committee, as will Teresa Grinter as secretary and Sandra Brown as treasurer. Grayham Rosamond, Margaret Trevett and John Dobinson have continued as committee members.

Organisers of this year's event will seek to encourage the active involvement of a wide range of organisations. Recognising the need everyone to raise funds, no charge for community stalls will be levied this year, but the organisers stressed that they would very much like to see groups actually demonstrating what they are all about where this was at all possible.

Mr Woodgate added: "“We would also love to see more young people involved again.

"This was once a major feature of this historic event, and particularly when we were able to have ramps in South Street that enabled young boarders, bikers and skaters to demonstrate their skills to a public generally uneducated in such matters, but who were extremely appreciative of what they witnessed.”

Speaking after last year's Bridport Charter Fair, previous committee chairman, Frances McKenzie, said wet weather made the event "difficult".

Last year, the annual fun day also featured dancers, skateboard ramps, food stalls and face painting.

The annual event takes place to commemorate the royal charter given to Bridport by King Henry III in 1253.

Working closely with town surveyor Daryl Chambers, the organisers aim to continue building the event into a celebration that reflects the Charter Fair’s importance to the heritage of the town.

Anyone interested in helping to re-organise this unique event is welcome to contact a.c.woodgate@btinternet.com or telephone 01308 423767.

The committee would like to express their deep regret at the death of a colleague of many years, Gill Wilson.