A NEW company has been launched to help dreams become reality for communities in Dorset.

Dorset Squared Ltd - D2 - a not-for-profit company, was set up to simplify access to advice and resources for people with ideas to make their communities better places.

Managing director David Keenan said: "D2 will respond to the needs of people and their communities by providing advice, opportunities and support.

"We are pulling together a range of funding initiatives to make it easier for people to access grants and can provide specialist advice and support in developing and managing your project.

"For us at D2 it's about making Dorset a truly vibrant place to live and work."

The D2 board of directors is made up from the public, private and voluntary sectors.

It is looking for a chairman for the next stage of its development.

D2 operations manager Sarah Watson said: "We are developing a strong team here, with considerable experience which will ensure that we get best practice, economy of scale and one point of contact for Dorset so that everyone knows where to go for help and advice."

Mr Keenan added: "D2 is a light, agile and modern company, one that is passionate about ensuring Dorset gets the best possible deal in this rapidly changing world."