More than £4,000 has been handed out to good causes in Bridport thanks the huge success and hard work of West Bay Days.

The group of volunteers dedicate their time to supporting the future of West Bay and organises events for the benefit of the local community and visitors to the area.

The switching off of the lights and the taking down of the Christmas Tree on the Green on Candlemas (February 2) signified the end of West Bay Days' year and the beginning of a new, exciting one.

The tree had been up since the end of November and was the only event organised by the group that had continued uninterrupted throughout the pandemic.

In 2021 it was described as a beacon of hope and it was decided then to leave it in place until Candlemas, which was always the traditional day to take down Christmas decorations.

Raising money for local causes is the group's aim and it recently handed over £4,000 to various local organisations.

The group is now calling for beneficiaries to come forward for 2023. 

West Bay Days chairman James Radcliffe said: "Whilst we we're sad to see the tree go, we are now looking forward to this year’s events that include Pirate Day in May and West Bay Day in August.

"We are also asking local causes and charities to put their names forward as beneficiaries, all we ask in return is some voluntary help on the days of the events” 

So, if you fancy dressing up as pirate - amongst other fun things - and getting a donation to your local group or charity contact West Bay Days through their Facebook page: facebook.com/westbaydays by the end of February.