THE future of Dorset's heritage coast came under the spotlight at a meeting of councillors and politicians in Dorchester.

West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin and East Devon MP Hugo Swire joined in the talks about the impact of tourism on the treasured coastline.

The move came as Weymouth, Dorchester, Lyme Regis and Portland jockey for position to become the site for a heritage coast visitor centre.

Coun Hilary Cox, portfolio holder for the environment in Dorset County Council's cabinet, said: "It was an extremely interesting and successful meeting.

"Both of the MPs pledged their support for what we are trying to do, which is looking for ways to sustain and make the most of what we have without damaging it."

Mr Letwin, Mr Swire and Coun Cox were joined at the meeting by representatives from East Devon District Council and Dorset County Council.

Prof Denys Brundsen, chairman of the Dorset Coast Forum, and Malcolm Bell, chief executive of South West Tourism, also attended the County Hall summit.

The meeting came as consultants investigate ways to promote tourism on the heritage coast, which stretches from East Devon to Purbeck.

Coun Cox said: "The consultants are working on the issue of where we go from here.

"They have worked on other World Heritage Sites in the UK, such as Durham Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.

"But they are built World Heritage Sites, whereas we are a natural environment."

Coun John Peake, chairman of Dorset County Council, hosted the one-and-a-half hour meeting, which included a presentation by council employees Tim Badman and Malcolm Turnball.

Now Coun Cox hopes Mr Letwin and Mr Swire will raise the profile of the coastline by giving a presentation to MPs at Westminster.

The consultant's report into the way to develop tourism and protect the heritage coast is due out at the end of July.

Campaigners in Dorchester, Weymouth, Portland, and Lyme Regis, all say they should host a visitor centre.