Places features

Every summer the town's population rises from 3,500 to 25,000 and it was felt that unless the tourists were given an opportunity to do their bit for the environment, the efforts of the residents would be lost.

The children drew cartoons which were animated.

Children at St Michael’s Primary School drew pictures which were then animated and recorded voice-overs for their production called "Help Turn Lyme Green".

With the help of a private production company, they put the film together which will be shown on a loop in the foyer of the town’s Regent Cinema.

The idea to involve local children came from Candida Blaker, who launched the Turn Lyme Green campaign in November 2007.

She said, "They (the children) are the ones who really carry the message. They're the ones who really can convince their parents. They're usually the ones who know more about environmental concerns than many of us."

Cloth bags have been given to tourists

The film has a simple plot.  It features a discarded plastic bag which is blown away and is eaten by a seagull which dies, it then goes on to cause more damage to marine life.

St Michael's pupil Yasarian said, "They filmed me in the playground saying "our town" with someone holding a speach bubble to my face… It was one of the best things I've ever done".

Fellow school mate Shannon said the message was simple, "If we don't start reducing, reusing and recycling then animals and people might be harmed."

Asking the tourists to help

In 2008 the Turn Lyme Green campaign's focus turned to the many thousands of tourists who come to Lyme Regis.

Cloth bags have been given to bed and breakfast and hotel owners and to managers at a local holiday park, to be handed to guests. It's hoped the film will re-enforce the message.

In November 2007 a cloth bag was given to every resident and campaign coordinator Candida Blaker believes since then plastic bag use has dropped by 75%.

Campaigners admit this is only the start and their efforts need to go far beyond ridding Lyme Regis of plastic bags if the town is to be truly green.