The power of local newspapers has been praised after it gave a boost to a local arts venue.

Eype Centre for the Arts reopened in July for exhibitions and music sessions and following an article in the Bridport News, received bookings for the school holidays.

Janet Allen, arts administrator, said: “Following the nearly full-page article with a picture of the church about our situation during the Covid crisis in the July 9 edition, we received two art exhibition bookings for the holiday period - one from a regular user of our space and another from an occasional user. Happily, both exhibitions will take place during the high season for school holidays and tourists and we are delighted to accommodate them.”

The first, ‘Art of Summer’ with artist Diane Summer, takes place over the bank holiday week of August 24 to 31 - open daily from 10am to 5pm and 12noon on Sundays - where she will be hosting and painting while chatting to visitors.

The second, ‘Encircled - So Beautiful’ with Stephen Bishop, will take place from September 3 to September 6 from 10.30am to 4.30pm. He will be on hand daily to talk about his oil paintings, which include new pictures painted this year.

Janet added: “They are both well-known and popular local artists, so we are assured of a good number of visitors.

“The gallery is large and airy, and every measure has been taken to make the space safe and healthy for visitors. Under government guidelines we are asking visitors to wear face masks inside the church.”

There are still dates available for exhibitions or music recordings. For more information, visit eypechurcharts.co.uk or call Janet on 01308 814480.