A Dorchester cleaner has 'captured the hearts of businesses' with his care and attention to detail in keeping the town beautiful.

A few years ago Dorchester BID got together with the Dorset Waste Partnership (DWP) and embarked on a joint project to help keep the streets of the county town clean and tidy.

At the same time, both organisations wanted to offer and friendly face and assistance to both businesses and the public whilst they are in town - and so was born 'The Keeper of the Walks'.

And since the launch of the initiative, the project has gone from strength to strength.

Phil Gordon, Dorchester BID's project director, said: “I’m delighted to be continuing our partnership with the DWP. I believe the project is a really good example of what can be achieved when BID’s and local authorities put their heads together.

"We have had a few different people in this role but Scott Bailey, the current 'Keeper of the Walks', is providing an excellent service to Dorchester and has captured the hearts of businesses and locals with his care, attention to detail and passion for keeping the town looking good.

"So much so, that the businesses gave him a special award last year for his dedication and level of service.”

The Dorchester BID have just supplied Scott with a brand new cart, with a few extra features suggested by Scott.

Scott said he "loves the new look" and says it will make his work a lot easier too.

The new car features a phone number on the side, this is the 'grime hotline' so businesses and members of the public can call to report any problems, grime hot spots or rubbish issues they have spotted in the town.

Mike Haines, operations manager DWP said: “This a great joint project with Dorchester BID. It has certainly made an impressive impact in Dorchester town centre. We regularly get good feedback and nice comments from locals and visitors alike.”

The Dorchester BID is due to go to re-ballot next year. If the businesses support the BID with a yes vote, there will be another five years of projects designed to support businesses and promote Dorchester.

But if not many initiatives, including 'Keeper of the Walks', will end.