COUNCILLORS will ensure the Red Arrows will return to Lyme Regis next year after agreeing to underwrite a £15,000 fee.

Lyme Regis Town Council will apply to bring the iconic jets back to the seaside town next year. Although the authority could be liable for the entire £15,000 cost, campaigners have already raised thousands to bring the Red Arrows back to Lyme Bay.

Lyme Regis and Charmouth RNLI Guild announced they could not afford to book the jets for next year's Lifeboat Week as display fees are now required.

Cllr Cheryl Reynolds, who has been busy fundraising, said: "Can I just say that £15,000 will never be required of the town council.

"We've got more than £11,000 already. I think it's just a case of having to do it to cover the application."

The council hopes to book the Red Arrows between next year's Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival and RNLI Lifeboat Week, after it was discovered the jets could not return to Lyme for their usual spot during the RNLI fundraiser.

Concerns were raised about fundraising during Red Arrows day, which brings thousands of visitors to the town.

Cllr Anita Williams, said: "We know that Red Arrows day is a cash cow.

"What I don't want to see happen is a bunfight locally with what happens to that money.

"There is already confusion as to whether this appeal was launched by the RNLI or not. We just need some clarity on fundraising."

Mayor Owen Lovell said fundraising had not been decided but that 'ground rules' would be drawn up.

He said: "At the moment, that's all up in the air.

"My personal feeling is that on Red Arrows day, there would be a collection. We perhaps could have a charity stall with any organisations that the council wants to support.

"The cheque is not required until after the event so you have some period of time to ensure the money is in place."

Organisers of the RNLI Lifeboat Week wished the council and campaigners well on bringing the Red Arrows to the town.

A spokesperson from the Lyme Regis and Charmouth RNLI Guild, said: "We wish the new organisers all success on behalf of the town and the RNLI.

"Of course we continue to be disappointed that we were not able to commit such a large sum of money from donations to our charity to one event, however spectacular.

"We know our loyal supporters fully understand our position. However, the volunteers in the lifeboat crew and the guild are looking forward to welcoming everyone to Lifeboat Week in 2016 and beyond, when we can promise a programme full of fun and interest for all the family with plenty of their favourite events and perhaps some new ones."