HOTELIERS in Swanage are leading a major push to turn tourism in the town green.

The Swanage and Purbeck Holiday Accommodation Association has created a sustainability policy - a "mission statement" listing a series of business practices that will help protect the environment bring people in the third out of poverty.

Most members signed it at last week's AGM, where the green agenda was given top billing. More are expected to follow suit over the following months.

And the leaders of the town's Chamber of Commerce and Trade and the Licensed Victuallers Association, who were also in attendance, have also pledged their support the movement.

Alan Power, chairman of the accommodation association, said he hoped it would become a huge movement in Swanage, which would then show others the way.

He added: "This statement is a commitment that says we are responsible individuals. We need an income but financial gain is not the most important thing in the world. We need to try to help the environment and help poor people out of poverty in the third world."

He said members would now ask guests to sort their rubbish for recycling, have their towels laundered less frequently, and switch off lights. They would try and source goods such as bacon and eggs locally. More exotic goods like orange juice would, where possible, be purchased direct from producers in line with the Fairtrade movement.

In addition they have promised to reduce paper consumption, cut the use of materials which produce greenhouse gases, use low energy bulbs, and try to source un-packaged produce.

Mr Power added: "Climate change is one of the greatest threats to humanity of this modern age, and addressing this issue collectively will help ensure support from all members so that, together, we can make a greater difference."