BRIDPORT was named yesterday as a Beacon town - one of only nine in the country held up as an example to others of how to meet the challenges facing market towns in rural areas.

The Countryside Agency said Bridport was chosen from more than 200 involved in the agency's market and coastal towns initiative largely because of the way it has developed its local food sector.

Bridport was also judged to be able to provide examples to other towns on tackling other issues facing market towns - like sustainable tourism, broadband internet services and the role of the private sector in market town regeneration.

A spokesman for the agency said: "Bridport's selection is largely a result of its innovative development of the local food sector, and the wider partnerships forged through the market and coastal towns initiative. A strong local food theme is adopted in the regeneration strategy devised by the community and a range of local organisations. The approach includes supporting local food businesses, and measures to encourage residents of all ages to buy and use local ingredients."

Countryside Agency director Margaret Clark said: "Beacon towns will be test-beds in which different approaches to problem-solving, or new ways of doing things, will be tried. From them, we hope to learn more about the problems, and what does and doesn't work.

"Beacon towns have been selected because they are excellent examples of towns in which interesting and experimental things are happening."

Bridport's promotion of local foods includes the Centre for Local Food, the West Dorset Food and Land Trust, farmers' markets, an organic food co-op and numerous farm shops.

Bridport mayor Geoff Ackerman will be at the Centre for Local Food next Thursday when a representative of the Countryside Agency will present him with Bridport's Beacon certificate. The visit coincides with a children's cookery workshop at the centre on summer puddings using Dorset fruits and cream.