VILLAGERS in Abbotsbury are proving that Olympic Torch Relay celebration plans can be plain sailing.

They are already in the final stages of preparations to line the rural community with 60 decorated sails ready to greet the procession at 5.13pm on Thursday, July 12.

A team of volunteers have been meeting regularly since January to design the two-metre high sails on parachute material, which will form an outdoor art gallery along the Abbotsbury section of the B3157 coast road.

It is hoped the creations will be weather-resistant enough to last for the duration of the London 2012 Games.

Sue Melville, of Wheelwrights tearoom, who is coordinating the sail-making project, said: “Everyone’s really pleased. We’ve got one more workshop on July 7 when we’ll actually be assembling the sails on poles with hooks. It’s amazing to see the sails come to life, exactly how I imagined it was going to be.

“People have really used their imaginations and let the ideas flow. It’s very difficult if you’re not used to designing things but everyone should be really proud of what they’ve achieved.

“I think when the Olympics comes we’ll feel like we belong.

“That’s all anyone wants, to feel like they’re a part of something huge.”

She added: “We’re hoping to get leaflets printed with little snapshots of everyone’s designs and their names so people will know who’s done what.

“First everyone drafted out their designs on paper, then painted them on parachute material.

“The fabric is so lovely, when the sun shone through Strangways Hall the designs really did look beautiful.

“They really are works of art.”

The project was boosted by a £400 grant from West Dorset District Council, plus donations and fundraising proceeds.

The villagers are now fundraising and appealing for materials to be donated so that they can complete the artistic sails, by erecting them on to poles, when they next meet on July 7.

They need 100 metres of shock cord, a cone of whipping twine and wooden curtain rings.

This Saturday, a table-top sale will be taking place at Wheelwrights Tea Room, 14 Rodden Row, Abbotsbury, from 2pm to 5.30pm.

This will be followed by a coffee morning and table-top sale on Thursday, May 17 at 1 West Street, Abbotsbury from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Anyone who can donate shock cord, whipping twine and wooden curtain rings is asked to call Sue on 01305 871800.