A former church has been brought back to life after being left empty and unused for more than a decade.

After years of planning and fundraising, West Bay Discovery Centre has opened its doors to the public.

The ‘chapel on the beach’ had been empty since it ceased use as a place of worship in 2006. It is now a celebration of the history and heritage of West Bay and hopes to draw in locals and visitors alike.

Bridport’s deputy town mayor, Cllr Martin Ray, cut the ribbon yesterday morning accompanied by town crier, John Collingwood.

Bridport Area Development Trust (BADT) is responsible for revamping the Grade II-listed and giving it a ‘fresh and exciting’ new purpose. It was awarded a £240,000 grant from the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund (CCF) in April 2017 and has been working closely with Bridport and West Bay Coastal Community Team to breathe new life into the old church.

The trust has been supported by a professional construction team and project manager, Daryl Chambers.

The centre aims to take its visitors on a ‘voyage of discovery’ around West Bay past and present using images, audio, videos and interactive displays.

BADT director John West said: “There has never been anything like this in West Bay. A lot of people visit and this will help them really appreciate all there us to do here; people may then stay longer and come back again.

"We will provide interactive experiences for all ages, enabling people to learn about West Bay in a fun way. We’ll challenge our visitors to go out and make their own discoveries and come back to the centre to learn more. They’ll be able to learn how more than 300 ships were once built in a shipyard of which there is no trace today, how and why West Bay became a trading and fishing port and then finally a popular tourist destination.

“It’s certainly not all history, and one of the highlights of the centre is a unique display where today’s residents and visitors explain why West Bay is special for them.”

The centre also features the story of the area’s geological past and its place in the World Heritage Coast and will also be a hub of information for visitors and locals alike on all there is to do in this part of West Dorset.

For more information and volunteering opportunities, email info@westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk.