THRIVING markets, good schools, period buildings all set in ravishing scenery make market towns the next big thing in the property market, it is predicted.

City dwellers are pouring into the countryside at the rate of 115,000 a year, according to Country Life.

Going cold turkey in the sticks with only a computer terminal and a herd of cows for company and no curry house at the end of the street can be a bit of culture shock - so it's the market towns which have it all.

Blandford-born Janice Cox who gave her town its popular Georgian Fayre said: "It's a beautiful area - near the river, near the trees. There's the Georgian architecture and it's within easy travelling of the sea - that's another of my passions.

"The market gives it another character - it's nice to have the old tradition of the buses coming in from the villages on market day.

"I like living here because of the friendliness and it's very convenient for shopping.

"There is as much choice as in Bournemouth where you have got more of the same things.

"The service is better; in most shops if they haven't got it they will get it in a couple of days.

"It's a cheaper way of shopping than getting in your car and driving."

Janice welcomes incomers - "as long as those who come don't want to change it all," she said.

Cllr Richard Thomas worked for many years in London but ended up in Shaftesbury.

"It's attractive as a place - Gold Hill is known internationally - and I find it a very active town with an awful lot going on.

"Being on top of the hill gives fantastic views and the air is exhilarating.

"It's a mecca for retired people which is perhaps unfortunate for the young but we are aware of that and working on it.

"Shaftesbury is the jewel in North Dorset's crown - a great place to be."

Linda Cowley is another Londoner but married to Sturminster Newton-born Robert.

She works on the area's Talking Newspaper, is a trustee of prison charity Friends of Guys Marsh and jointly directed the town's latest panto with her local magistrate.

Stur lost its cattle market seven years ago and that's still a sadness but the new development is looking good, Linda said.

"It's a lovely place to live with lots going on.

"There's definitely a sense of community if you're prepared to get involved.

"People are interested - that's been proved."

When a public meeting was called over a statue commissioned to commemorate the market, the hall was bursting at the seams, she said.

"I come from London and I'm very happy to go to the theatre but I'm always pleased to get back to Dorset," Linda added.

"It's a lovely county and relatively unspoilt."

First published: May 12