COUNCILLORS have backed a campaign to save Bridport's traditional torchlight procession which is at risk of being cancelled.

The Bridport Carnival Committee was informed after the last torchlight procession at the 2019 Bridport Carnival that officials from Highways England - now National Highways - were no longer prepared to close the A35 at the Crown Roundabout for the 30 minutes it takes for the procession to safely cross the road.

This led to a petition being launched last month by locals to 'save' the traditional procession, which has been signed more than 1,600 times.

At a meeting of Bridport Town Council on Tuesday evening, councillors unanimously voted to support the petition to save the torchlight procession.

Councillors said they would promote the petition publicly.

Earlier this month, West Dorset MP Chris Loder made his show of support for saving the 'iconic' tradition. He said: "The Bridport Carnival and torchlight procession are some of the most iconic and memorable events that Bridport has offered for over half a century and is what helps make the town so unique.

"This is so important for the local economy that losing it would be a considerable hit to Bridport."