Dorchester has prepared a warm welcome for those returning to the High Street today.

Shoppers will enjoy a colourful display of overhead banners throughout South Street, reminding them to observe social distancing and pointing out some of the other places to shop in the county town.

As the cafés, restaurants, pubs and hairdressers reopen, there is much cause for celebration and the signage, flags, bunting and flower baskets have brightened up the town, according to the Love Dorch campaign.

Neil Strudwick, Chairman of Dorchester BID said: “The banners in South Street add a real sense of welcome and recovery and help to build momentum for revitalising our town.”

The Love Dorch campaign is run by 'Team Dorch', made up of Dorchester’s Town Council, BID and Chamber for Business, working alongside Dorset Council. The group has joined forces to promote Dorchester and regenerate the High Street and Dorchester businesses following the coronavirus crisis.

A spokesman for the team said: “These are tough times but when you spend with local retailers, the money stays in the local community, benefitting other businesses and people in the area.”

The campaign reinforces Dorset Council’s message to stay local, shop local but adds Dorchester’s own strapline “Shop Local, Shop Safe … Shop Dorch”.

For more information and to keep track of the campaign, please visit the website www.lovedorch.com