A Lyme Regis charity is 'making residents' dreams come true by taking them out from behind a desk and one step closer to the career they have always dreamed of.’

The Boat Building Academy is offering bursaries to Dorset residents covering up to 50 per cent of course fees, with up to 100 per cent covered where the need is greater.

The funding has already helped many including Janie Harper, Wendy Stephenson and Jill Booth, who are already using bursary funding to study under expert tutors on the academy’s full time, 12-week furniture course.

Janie, 34, from Lyme Regis, said: “I was made redundant from my corporate role and set about building a tiny home and renovating a van. Then I heard about the BBA’s bursaries for local people.

“Making an actual living from making furniture has always been something I thought was out of reach until now, but with the bursary and the time to study I can finally hone my skills with an expert tutor. It’s amazing to be here.”

The new funding has been made possible due to the BBA achieving charitable status in 2020, subsequent fundraising and through private supporters such as the Alice Ellen Cooper Dean Charitable Foundation and the Valentine Trust.

Wendy, 56, from Bridport said: “When I learned I had been accepted and given a bursary I burst into tears. The course is completely immersive, and we are learning so much.

“For me it’s like being reborn, I have always worked for big companies and been tied to a desk.

“This is realistically my last chance to do something I’m really passionate about, working with wood, and making things - and I’m hoping to go on and study for a diploma. It’s just so great to feel the academy has faith in you and wants to help you succeed.”

Bursaries are available for all BBA courses including the 12-week furniture course starting in January 2024 and the 40-week boat building course starting in February.

Jill Booth, 50, from Wareham said: “I came for an interview and was accepted onto the course with funding. I was absolutely stunned.

“I never would have been able to even consider doing this without a bursary. It’s a chance to make a lifestyle change that I would never have had and I’m so grateful.”