THE Tourist Information Centre in Shaftesbury re-opened under a groundbreaking new initiative to keep it up and running on Thursday.

The centre, in Bell Street, was left in crisis after North Dorset District Council withdrew funding in at the end of last year but the community has banded together not only to save it but to extend its services.

Gillingham Town Council has joined its Shaftesbury counterpart to give much-needed cash boost to the service, which will now cover both towns, surrounding villages and even provide information and ticket services for venues in neighbouring counties.

David Shepherd, director of the non-profit-making Blackmore Vale Tourism and Development company now running the TIC, said: "Our aim is to be self-sustainable by year three and the main thing is we are linking to the surrounding area, whereas before it was restricted by town and county borders. It is breathing new life into the community and we are going to give it our very best shot."

The two town councils gave a total of £15,000 between them but the centre now has to raise an estimated £20,000 a year to keep on running.

Shaftesbury mayor Cllr Pam Reynolds said: "I am quite excited that the community has taken it on board. It is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved."

Meanwhile discussions are still in progress to try to find a way forward for the TIC in Blandford, which is also struggling to keep going in the wake of the withdrawal of district funding.

The town council gave a grant of £2,000 last year to DT11 Trading Ltd, which is now running the centre, but has said it is unable to provide continued financial support.

In a statement released this week the council has denied accusations it does not support the centre and confirmed it was involved in continued discussions with the TIC to help it stay open in the town.