Throughout the summer months, children have been hard at work to create their very own country - The Children's Democratic Republic of Bridport.
Bridport-based charity The Bank of Dreams and Nightmares ran several workshops with children aged between eight to fourteen years old, exploring what their ideal country would be like.
Over two weeks, they created their own flag, national anthem and laws.
The fictional republic was unveiled to the town with the launch of the country's very own embassy in South Street, attended by the Mayor of Bridport and West Dorset MP Edward Morello.
Nick Goldsmith, director and founder of the charity, said: “We transformed an empty shop on Bridport high street into an embassy. The atmosphere on the launch day was amazing.
"It was absolutely packed; children sang the national anthem and lots of passports were handed out.
"The children shared their vision of their ideal country to the community and it was a great success."
The embassy will be open to the public for the next three Saturdays.
People can explore the children's unique policies such as a currency which is entirely words based. For example, if you wanted to get on a bus, you'd have to tell a joke.
The project is part of the charity's ongoing mission to nurture creativity amongst young people.
Mr Goldsmith added: "We aim to blow children's minds with the possibilities of where their imagination can take them.
"All this year's workshops were child led and gave young people the freedom to express their own ideas and gain self-confidence.
"We’re inviting people to come in and have a look around and explore the world these children created. People can even do a citizenship test at the end and pledge allegiance to the new republic.
"For me it’s about giving young people the self-belief and confidence to do whatever it is they want to do in life.
"They might not necessarily want to be writers but working with us and having a book published or launching an embassy will give them the confidence and self-belief to try and do things they wouldn’t normally do. “
The Bank of Dreams and Nightmares was set up in April 2021 by Nick Goldsmith after feeling that his children’s school curriculum lacked innovation.
READ MORE: Young creative minds flourish thanks to Bridport charity
He decided to create a creative writing charity where young imaginations lead the way.
More information about the charity, including how to volunteer, can be found on their website: https://www.thebankofdreamsandnightmares.org/take-action
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