BRIDPORT Tourist Information Centre (TIC) is enjoying record visitor numbers.

The TIC has seen a 15 per cent rise in income for the first five months of the financial year, since Bridport Town Council took on responsibility for the running of the centre.

West Dorset District Council handed over control of the Bucky Doo Square TIC – a finalist in the 2017 Dorset Tourism Awards Visitor Information Service of the Year category – to the town council back in January.

The burgeoning success – which has also seen visitor numbers for July and August increasing on the last two years – was discussed during an update on TICs in the area at a West Dorset District Council meeting on Tuesday.

Councillors and other attendees at the meeting, held at South Walks House in Dorchester, heard how Bridport TIC has gone from strength to strength in 2017.

Nick Thornley, head of economy, leisure and tourism at the district council said he also has high hopes for the potential transfer of Lyme Regis TIC to the control of the town council there.

Discussions are still at a fairly early stage in the case of Lyme Regis, Mr Thornley said, but he had enjoyed positive talks so far.

Responding to the update, Cllr Sarah Williams, leader of Bridport Town Council said: "This has been a very successful transfer for the council and for the town.

"The Bridport TIC provides the full range of TIC services, manages the Bridport and West Bay website including an online booking system, the Town Hall and bookings for the town square.

"This is now a key service for Bridport."

John Wright, town clerk at Lyme Regis Town Council, said: "Lyme Regis Town Council is happy to discuss the possible transfer of the Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre to the control of the town council.

"We would though like to do so with a view to the transfer being undertaken as part of a package, involving the potential transfer of other assets in the town in the future as well."