Eype Centre for the Arts (ECA) has reopened its doors.

Trustees have decided that it can reopen St Peter’s Church in Eype safely for certain events, taking advantage of its unique position.

The centre will be able to offer exhibitions as it has wall space stretching around 35 metres with a professional hanging system for artists or photographers exhibiting, as well as for music recordings with the space - 175 square metres - being more than enough to distance everyone involved. The acoustics have also been praised and there is a three-phase electricity supply for equipment.

There is ample and new-extended car parking and recently installed broadband.

There is plenty of space in ECA’s calendar from July to the end of October and all new bookings for 2020, discounts of 40 per cent are offered on normal hire fees, with no minimum charge.

At ECA there will be a Perspex screen on the steward’s table, a one-way system, hand washing facilities and sanitising stations, the loan of face masks and distancing measures in place.

Art administrator Janet Allen said: “We are ready to take exhibition bookings for the rest of 2020, starting from now, in time to catch the influx of holiday makers as they are allowed to return to all the holiday sites and cottages in and around Eype, Bridport and West Bay.

“There will be a pent-up desire for visiting exhibitions from both visitors and local residents as there will be few things to do until regular events are organised again.”

The church has become a popular venue, hosting a range of events including guitarist John Williams and the renowned poet Roger McGough, as well as being used as a recording studio.

Janet added: “The acoustics are well-known as being wonderful - PJ Harvey recorded her award-winning album, Let England Shake, here. It is a very quiet spot and lends itself to the intensive work of making music recordings.

“We welcome the reopening of venues and hope that hirers will come back to us as soon as they are comfortable.”

For more information, visit eypechurcharts.co.uk