PARENTS Pete Judd and Kate Illsley are considering a 250-mile move from Dorchester to Skegness because they can't afford rocketing house prices.

The couple are planning a fresh start so they can buy their own home in the Lincolnshire seaside resort at half the cost of property in Dorset.

Their action comes as campaigners warn that Dorchester could become a ghost town with a brain-drain of young people moving out and an influx of wealthy pensioners coming in.

Mr Judd, who rents a house with Miss Illsley and their one-year-old son Jack in Icen Way, said: "It is so demoralising trying to find a house to buy in Dorchester.

"They just cost so much. We're renting a place at the moment and it is too small for the three of us.

"It would be nice to have a home of our own one day. Dorset is a lovely place, but we are seriously considering calling it a day and moving up to Skegness.

"If we shop around there, we can get a house for around £45,000. That's a massive difference to the cost down here."

Singer Mr Judd met Miss Illsley, who works in the medical records offices at the Forston Clinic, when they were employed at the Riviera holiday complex in Weymouth.

They have been trying to buy a home in Dorchester for 18 months, but have been unable to find one within their price range.

Mr Judd, who is originally from Skegness, said: "A starter flat in Dorchester is reaching £70,000 these days, which is beyond us.

"I'm sure lots of young couples are in the same boat as us and eventually it's going to mean a lot more young people moving away."

New figures show that the cost of a detached house in Dorset has hit a high of £205,066, compared with £110,369 in Lincolnshire.

The average cost of a flat in Dorset is £93,272 and a terraced house is £109,820, compared with £44,131 and £52,395 in Lincolnshire.

The plight of Mr Judd and Miss Illsley comes as retirement complexes for elderly people spring up at Poundbury and on the former Dorset County Hospital site in the town centre.

Campaigner Penny McCartney, who has launched an action and support group in Dorchester, said: "Pete and Kate aren't the only ones.

"Dorchester is in danger of dying and becoming a ghost town if young couples are forced to move away to find homes to buy.

"Then, employers will find themselves short of people with skills."

For more details about Mrs McCartney's action for affordable housing group phone (01305) 259668.