Efforts to save Bridport's popular torchlight parade are still going strong.

It was announced last year that organisers of the annual procession - which has taken place since the 1970s - were told the road could no longer be closed, which puts its future at risk.

A petition has been launched which has so far been signed by more than 1,700 to urge National Highways and infrastructure group Balfour Beatty - the contractors for the A35 - to allow permission to close the road.

West Dorset MP Chris Loder held a meeting with National Highways at the Crown roundabout - where the A35 is closed to allow the procession to make its way from Bucky Doo Square to West Bay - to discuss the event continuing in the summer.

Mr Loder said: "I have made crystal clear to National Highways that the prevention of the torchlight procession over the refusal to find a solution would be a disaster for the town and the heritage of our community.

"I am hopeful that following a subsequent discussion in the new year, that we can make substantial progress towards finding a solution that will ensure it can continue."

The MP, with the support of Bridport Town Council clerk Will Austin, will meet with the relevant authorities in the new year with hopes of finding a solution.

Ben Hampson, route manager for National Highways, said: "We understand the importance of Bridport's traditional torchlight procession and we will be facilitating conversations with the event organisers and Dorset Council in the new year on how next year's event can safely and conveniently take place."

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