A PLEA to West Dorset District Council to maintain Bridport Leisure Centre to the highest standards was made by brewery boss John Palmer.

His comments came at the unveiling of a special plaque in memory of his father, the late Tony Palmer, who was instrumental in getting the leisure centre built.

A substantial part of the centre's costs were met by the brewery 20 years ago.

Mr Palmer said: "West Dorset District Council intimated to father that the land on the right as you enter the leisure centre could be granted planning permission if gifted to fund the main part of the sports hall - £2 million at today's values.

"It was the key to unlocking what so many companies, organisations, charities and authorities locally have subsequently given so much time in creating this complete leisure facility that has developed from those early days.

"One word of warning - it is an ageing building and I do urge the district council to maintain the centre to the highest standards as, per capita, it gives fantastic value for money."

The centre is run by the Bridport and West Dorset Sports Trust, whose chairman, Richard Salt, welcomed the Palmer family to the re-dedication of the Tony Palmer Sports Hall.

A plastic plaque has been replaced by a permanent sign engraved and prepared by sculptor Karl Dixon and his wife Christine. They have donated the gilding for the letters.

Mr Salt said: "This perhaps gives an illustration of the generosity that this centre inspires amongst the people of this town."

He joked: "It goes without saying that the trust has been able to afford the new plaque from the proceeds of excessive consumption of Palmers Beer by the rugby club as a result of the victory by England in the World Cup."