West Bay Discovery Centre is looking forward to marking a significant milestone.

The centre, in the former Methodist Chapel on the beach, will be five years old on August 1.

It was empty for several years and increasingly at risk until it was transferred to a local Charity, the Bridport Area Development Trust. The Trust obtained grant funding to restore and adapt the building to provide a visitor centre, something which had long been identified as a need in West Bay.

Charity trustee John West said: "Since we opened in 2018 we have welcomed over 80,000 visitors and we’ve received a huge amount of positive feedback.

"What’s been most rewarding is seeing the pleasure that families get from our hands-on displays and activities.

"We also enjoy locals and visitors sharing their memories and we are continually finding out more about West Bay.

"We have two seasonal exhibitions each year so there is always something new to see and as part of our 5th anniversary we have introduced a pictorial West Bay quiz."

Since opening the centre has collected 11 separate awards. These include four gold awards from Dorset Tourism and a bronze award from the National Tourism body, Visit England.

John added: "Much of our success is attributable to our fantastic team of volunteers, who welcome our visitors and help keep the centre running."

He added: "Over a third of our volunteers have been at the centre since we opened and we will be holding a birthday party to thank all of them."

Anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering at the centre should email info@westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk or just drop in.