A popular Christmas market is going online this year and will be relaunched next year with a new name.

Eype Makers' Market, which has been held at Highlands End Holiday Park for a number of years, has been one of the biggest and best supported Christmas craft markets in the area since its inception at Eype church in 2009.

The market quickly outgrew the space available at the church and Martin's Bar and Restaurant took on the role of host. The volunteer committee-run market has annually attracted hundreds of visitors on a Sunday in November, allowing makers to showcase their crafts.

But due to the coronavirus, the market cannot operate within social distancing guidelines and therefore is not going ahead.

Tess Frecknall, Martin's Bar and Restaurant venue manager, said: "Eype Makers' Market has provided local crafts people a significant opportunity to provide income and also a fantastic opportunity for local and national charities to fundraise. The atmosphere created by the makers is magical, the function rooms always look amazing, and in 2019, the Dementia Friendly Bridport team were delighted to raise over £1,000 on their raffle.

"We are hugely disappointed to be unable to host this event this year. This decision wasn't easy as we have now supported the market for many years, but we hope to be able to relaunch it again in 2021 under the new 'Highlands' Christmas Market' name, which will also coincide with Highlands End Holiday Park's 50th anniversary year."

Support continues for the market which has moved online this year with a new directory on the Martin's Bar and Restaurant website .

Each profile has a link to the maker's website, social media and contact details. A range of makers have joined the directory including crafts, textiles, housewares, jewellery, gifts, photography, food and much more.

Tess added: "This puts all the makers' details in one place, allowing us all to continue to support these local businesses. We are confident that every sale helps the local economy and we urge shoppers to have a look.

"Bridport Fiver Fest is currently encouraging local people to spend money in the town centre to save our shops and businesses and we are delighted to be able to launch this online directory at the same time as taking part in the Fiver Fest.

"The makers' market has a great reputation locally for quality and variety and we sincerely hope we can welcome people back to Highlands' Christmas Market in November 2021."