25 YEARS AGO:

October, 29 1993

WRITING: Award-winning Charmouth-based novelist Peter Benson waded through 3,668 short stories when he judged entries in Bridport Art Centre's Creative Writing Competition.

Mr Benson, whose third novel, The Other Occupant, set in West Dorset, won the Somerset Maugham Award, said narrowing the entries down to a shortlist of 145 was comparatively easy, deciding on the ultimate winner was the hardest part.

STUCK IN: Fundraisers Christine Galvin and Ann Studley got stuck in during the 10th annual pudding stir at Marshwood.

With a little help from five-year-old Jarvia Ellis, the local pair mixed up a massive 180 pounds of Christmas pudding ingredients at the charity event.

Armed with their bowls, about 50 people flocked to Marshalsea Farm to buy helpings of the popular pudding.

BALLET: You can't take too much trouble over a tutu, say a Lyme Regis couple whose outstanding expertise is soon to be featured in the resort.

Ralph and Pamela Ward's talents are highlight in superbly made models, authentically dressed in ballet and period costumes, which go on display in an exhibition in aid of the Arthritis and Rheumatism Council at the Alexandra Hotel.

50 YEARS AGO:

October, 25 1968

GOLD: It's gold for Bridport. Iain Macdonald-Smith, who was born in the town 23 years ago, and his partner, Rodney Pattison, have won the Olympic gold medal in the Flying Dutchman yachting class at Acapulco Bay off Mexico's south coast.

Pattison and crewman Macdonald-Smith completed their expected triumph on Monday when they finished their amazing run by coming second in the last of the seven race series.

WINNERS: Lyme Regis fireman are cup winners. They have won the Dorset County Fire Brigades' Vesta Trophy for station management and administration.

Lyme Regis came out on top in competition with 17 other stations having retained firemen.

RESIGNATION: The annual meeting of the Local Association of Girl Guides was held in Bridport WI Hall on Friday.

Mary, Lady Colfox (president) opening the meeting said she wished to resign and nominated Mrs Knight of Symondsbury in her place.

Mrs Knight was duly elected.