LYME Regis Town Council has backed bringing the Red Arrows to the town next year after this summer's event was financially successful.

This year, campaigners stepped in to ensure the RAF jets performed over Lyme Regis after the RNLI announced it could not book the Red Arrows for Lifeboat Week as display charges now applied.

Campaigners including former Lyme Regis mayor Philip Evans and Cllr Cheryl Reynolds stepped in, with the town council underwriting £15,000 to ensure the event went ahead. None of the money was needed following a successful fundraising campaign - with the event making a profit of more than £4,000.

Speaking at last week's (7) strategy and finance committee, Cllr Reynolds said: "We would like to thank Lyme Regis Town Council for their support.

"The Red Arrows is a great example of how the council can work with the community with no cost to the taxpayers.

"We have not cost the council any money at all and it was a great day for everybody. I am hoping we will consider doing it again for next year."

An application has been submitted for the Red Arrows to return next year, on the provisional date of Thursday, August 3.

In a report to councillors, town clerk John Wright, said: "This year's event has contributed £1,198.84 to the Red Arrows' 2017 visit to the town.

"In addition, a funding commitment of £7,000 has been made by a local business and the Red Arrows' 100 Club aims to raise at least £3,000.

"The application to bring the Red Arrows to Lyme Regis in 2017 has been made by the town council, and, as a consequence, the town council's potential exposure is the total cost of the event."

The Red Arrows have visited Lyme Regis since 1973 - originally as part of the Regatta and Carnival programme and more recently as part of Lifeboat Week.

Councillors agreed to approve the application to bring the Red Arrows back to Lyme Regis next year and underwrite the cost of up to £15,000.