Nearly two years after the Brexit referendum, the issue continues to impassion campaigners in Dorset as around the country, with dozens of pro-Europe activists taking to the streets of Lyme Regis and Weymouth on Saturday.

Members and supporters of groups including Open Britain, the European Movement and Britain for Europe came out to express their continued allegiance to the European Union, ahead of the launch today, Sunday, of a campaign demanding that the British people be given a vote on the final Brexit deal - the campaign is known as the People's Vote movement.

The activism in Lyme Regis and Weymouth, where pro-Europeans held street stalls between late morning and mid-afternoon, was part of a nationwide series of more than a hundred, involving thousands of activists, campaigners and supporters distributing some half a million leaflets and manning 100 streets stalls; the events were held in areas that mostly voted leave as well as those that were strongly pro-remain.

Eva Fahle-Clouts of the Lyme Regis group said:

“It’s great to be out campaigning in Lyme Regis alongside other pro-European activists and talking to local people and visitors about making sure they get a say on the Brexit deal.

"People were happy and grateful to find out about the People's Vote campaign. Some even provided refreshments for the volunteers! With Brexit turning out to be much more complicated and costly than people were told during the referendum, we are demanding a People’s Vote on the final Brexit deal.”

James McGrory, executive director of Open Britain, said:

“Our largest ever National Day of Action is all about bringing together the various pro-European groups so that we can speak with one, unified voice, because we know that together we are stronger.”

James MacCleary, campaign director of European Movement UK, said:

“The pro-European movement is gaining in strength and momentum and that progress was reflected this weekend with a huge demonstration of grassroots power in favour of a People’s Vote on the Brexit deal.”

Anne Weyman, vice-chairman of Britain for Europe, said:

“We may come from different political parties, different traditions and different groups, but we are united by our desire for the people to have their say on the Brexit deal, and we are determined to make sure their voice is heard loud and clear.”