DESPERATELY seeking Thomas Hardy, Judge Jeffreys and King Alfred the Great - a new group wants enthusiasts to imitate their heroes in Dorchester.

Organisers need the volunteers to bring famous characters from Dorchester's past back to life in a new boost for the town's heritage.

They hope to stage shows and hold meetings for people interested in the town's history, from ancient times through to the Dark Ages, Thomas Hardy and the present day.

Stacie Lavis, from the Wessex Dark Ages Society, said: "We want to do something for people interested in the history of Dorchester.

"We hope to hold a meeting soon and set up a group to focus on the heritage of Dorchester, but also have re-enactments purely about the town.

"There could be Thomas Hardy, Judge Jeffreys, the Romans, the Tolpuddle Martyrs, who were tried in the town, and a whole host of people from the town's history."

The initiative could see Thomas Hardy and Lawrence of Arabia walking the streets of Dorchester again on special occasions.

Other characters could include the native Durotriges tribe from before the Roman conquest and the Saxon King Alfred the Great.

Mrs Lavis, of Eddison Avenue, Dorchester, said: "People focus on the Romans, but Dorchester was a Saxon royal town. King Alfred liked it here and spent several Christmases in a row in the town.

She added: "We want to make people more aware of Dorchester's heritage."

Other characters that volunteers could play include king's physician Sir Frederick Treves, firebrand preacher Rev John White and Aussie artist Tom Roberts.

Call Mrs Lavis on (01305) 266315 to sign up for the new group.