AFTER more than 25 years, a local 'skills and services' trading group has been brought to a close.

SW Dorset LETS (local exchange trading system) had been running for over two decades and existed on the basis of a local currency - called Nets.

The group would meet regularly and trade and barter for a whole host of services - from babysitting and baking to tuition and the hire of items.

The Bridport group would meet at St Mary's Church, on South Street, for 'trading days'.

Everyone involved in the community was able to bring different skills and services to the group with many reporting wardrobes full of clothes 'traded' during meetings.

Anne Rickard, from SW Dorset LETS, said: "It has been a wonderful era – many friends made, so much assistance given to each other, shared events and a lot of fun.

"However, time moves on and our community has found other ways to help each other - Bridport has boundless ways to work together, as we all know.

"Many ‘ex-members’ are still keen to carry on and there has been an arrangement made with South Dorset LETS, based in Dorchester, which started at roughly the same time as the group in Bridport.

"They have very kindly agreed to take on any Bridport people who would like to join their group. Many of our members have done just that.

"This means we still have members here in Bridport who wish to continue to ‘trade’ in this way – they will be local to each other and have an extended membership to enjoy."

"The Dorchester-based team will do all the administration electronically."

Dorchester LETS was established in 1994 and is still going strong. The group meets every month at a member’s home around the area with members come from a wide area of Dorset.

According to LetsLinkUK - a body supporting local groups - there are around 300 'Lets' communities across the country.

At their height, in the 90s, it was estimated that there were over 40,000 active members.

More information about the Dorchester group can be found at www.dorchester-lets.co.uk; if you'd like to join you can contact Miranda Robertson, membership secretary, mirandarobertson1972@outlook.com or call 07460 205033.