ENVIRONMENTAL group Turn Lyme Green (TLG) will be reaching out to visitors to support the town's eco campaign during next week's school holidays.

Over the bank holiday weekend and half term holiday, the group will continue its campaign to make the town plastic bag free and to encourage environmental action.

Under the banner of 'Turn Lyme Green and Keep it Clean', visitors will be encouraged to use their own shopping bags when going out shopping, to support local traders, and to help preserve the town for future generations to enjoy.

Posters displayed on the approaches to town, in car parks, caravan sites, self-catering apartments and B&B's, and around the town, will help get the message across.

Lyme Bay Holidays now have cloth bags in all their accommodation, with a notice encouraging visitors to use them.

Bags are also on sale at the tourist information centre. Centre manager Lorraine Knowles said: "The Turn Lyme Green bags are selling well. Visitors buy them to use straight away and also to take home as gifts for friends."

TLG has also been shortlisted for a Dorset Pride of Place Award - if successful, the group will place striking and informative artworks on entry points into town, inviting visitors to help keep the town green and clean.

The group will work in partnership with St Michael's Primary School to create a short animation, hopefully to be shown at the Regent Cinema in the summer.

The campaign has won the support of the town council's tourism and advertising committee, which 'wholeheartedly supports' their efforts. Committee chairman Coun Ken Whetlor said: "It is very important that tourists participate in our town's efforts to look after the environment."

More than 50 per cent of shops no longer give out new single use plastic bags, and a further 45 per cent are using up existing stocks.

TLG member Candida Blaker said: "Turn Lyme Green has been encouraging a major bag wholesaler to provide home compostable carriers. This will help the remaining traders turn their desire of being plastic bag free into a reality.

"Over the summer there will be a series of exciting activities to celebrate turning Lyme green, so keep a look out."