Despite Bridport Christmas Cheer being cancelled this year, the volunteer committee behind the event has been determined to bring festive cheer to Bridport, and encourage everyone to shop locally this Christmas.

Their work started with giving the Christmas trees above shops in east, west and South Street free to the retailers this year.

On market day on Saturday, December 12, they have organised for the market to be extended to allow additional local Christmas traders and charities to attend. Expect Christmas produce, hand-made arts and crafts, mistletoe and much more.

The market will run from 9am to 4pm along South Street, West Street, East Street and Downes Street, as well as Barrack Street and The Lyric Theatre where the Farmers' Market will be taking place.

Strict social distancing rules will be in place and there will be additional stewards to ensure that the rules are adhered to.

A spokesman for Bridport Christmas Cheer Committee said: "All our town businesses have had a tough time during the pandemic which is why it is more important than ever that we all do everything we possibly can to support them this Christmas.

"December 12 is the day to enjoy Christmas shopping in Bridport."

As well as the extended market and range of independent shops in Bridport, there will also be:

• Christmas music played out over Bucky Doo Square
• Socially-distanced Morris dancing outside Bridport Antiques
• Bridport Sea Cadets will be collecting gift donations outside of Peacocks for Bridport Disabled Carers and Friends Club
• A small Christmas tree display outside of the United Church on East Street
• A hand-crafted, illuminated Nativity scene in The Lyric Theatre
• Bridport Museum's shop will be open from 10am to 1pm selling unique and unusual gifts and stocking fillers.
• Bridport Carnival's misplaced fir cone competition
• Bridport Tourist Information Centre selling Christmas cards for good causes
• In Bucky Doo Square at 11am, the High Sheriff of Dorset, George Streatfeild, will be presenting High Sherriff Awards to thank members of Bridport Town Council and the community for their work supporting the vulnerable during the pandemic.
• Prizes for the best stall and shop window
• And great hospitality in the town's cafes, restaurants, pubs and hotels

Thanks to the generosity of Crowdfunder, there is also an online Bridport Christmas Cheer market here

Children will also be given the chance to meet Santa at his grotto at Bridport Arts Centre on Sunday, December 13.

Even in the pandemic Santa is coming to town and he will have a free gift - generously donated by Toymaster - for every child that visits him. All the appropriate Covid-19 security will be in place to keep your family safe.

Everyone who would like to see Santa must pre-book a slot with Bridport Tourist Information Centre before Sunday. Call 01308 424901, pop in - it is open from 10am to 3pm Monday to Saturday - or visit bridportandwestbay.co.uk

Parking will be free in Dorset Council-owned car parks on Saturday, December 12 and 19.