I have just returned from Hastings where I had the honour of representing Bridport at the 68th National Town Criers Competition - won by the unbeatable Alistair Chisholm of Dorchester for the 11th time!

The event is part of Hastings Week which culminated in a spectacular torchlit procession and fireworks display which drew visitors and locals to throng the streets and beach in a well-managed, good-humoured and joyful extravaganza.

A large part of  the procession route went along the A259 which runs from Havant in Hampshire to Folkestone. Over two miles of this trunk road were closed between 6pm-11pm to let the town celebrate in style.

Is it really too much to ask for the A35 to be closed for a few minutes to allow the Bridport Carnival torchlit procession to go down to West Bay once a year?

JOHN COLLINGWOOD

Bridport