A TEAM of consultants has been appointed to examine the economic development potential of Dorset's Jurassic Coast.

The 95-mile stretch of coastline from Studland Bay in Dorset to Orcombe Point in East Devon is the first natural World Heritage Site in England.

How best to handle this new status is the subject of a series of meetings taking place between independent consultants Locum Destination Consulting and interested local parties such as landowners, tourism leaders and transport experts.

The Purbeck area meeting takes place on July 10, starting at 2pm at Purbeck Sports Centre in Wareham.

A spokesman for Dorset County Council, said: "The international recognition of the coast as a World Heritage Site presents a unique and exciting opportunity to further the economic, social and environmental well-being of the coast and its surrounding areas."

The consultants are staging meetings with local stakeholders and interest groups in each of the four local authority regions within the site.

A list of long and short-term development options is expected to be presented to World Heritage partners next month.

Some of the main issues include whether to create one main information centre or several smaller ones, provision of specialist breaks and out-of-season tourism, transport links and potential funding sources.

Cllr Hilary Cox, Dorset County Council's cabinet member for the environment, said: "World Heritage status presents us with some real opportunities for economic development on the coast and surrounding areas.

"Locum Destination's appointment will help us develop a long-term vision for the Jurassic Coast."