LYME Regis took a green step forward with the launch of the town’s first electric car charging station.

Town councillor Lorna Jenkin and residents gathered at the Alexandra Hotel and restaurant to see the launch of the station donated by Zero Carbon World.

Executive director of the Considerate Hoteliers Association John Firrell was also in attendance with three Nissan Leaf cars from the Westover Group in Bournemouth to support the initiative.

Kathryn Haskins, owner of the Alexandra Hotel and Restaurant, said: “We are so pleased to be adding to the green credentials of the Alex and hope that the car charging station will attract new visitors to the town who might not otherwise come here “The stations are for everyone to use so stopping off in Lyme Regis is now greener and easier.”

As the only public electric car charging station in Lyme Regis the service provides an important lifeline for electric car drivers visiting the Jurassic Coast.

There are two car charging points available at the Alexandra and all electric vehicles can use them.

The charging station takes approximately three hours to charge or overnight with a three pin plug.

The service is free for overnight guests of the hotel.

Mr Firrell said: “I am delighted to support Zero Carbon World, Westover Group and of course the Considerate Hotelier member, the Alexandra Hotel and Restaurant in their combined efforts to provide an electric car charging station in this area of Dorset.

“Reducing carbon emissions is such an important area for us to concentrate on if we are to make a positive impact on the beautiful environment around us.”