MAY

TRIBUTES were paid to Bradpole artist Robin Rae, who passed away at the age of 90. He was well known in the area for his paintings of the Dorset coastline and Bridport scenery.

A TEENAGER who campaigned for access to life-changing diabetes technology had her achievements recognised at Diabetes UK's awards ceremony. Rosey Edwardes, who is 13 and was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 17 months old, went on to meet then Prime Minister Theresa May.

A MASSIVE sinkhole opened up beside the Inland Coast Path on Bronkham Hill in West Dorset. Although alarming in appearance, Dorset Council assured residents that according to assessments, the hole appeared to be stable.

A BUS was named after Bridport resident Marguerite Carter in honour of her 101st birthday. Mrs Carter's name was emblazoned across the side of an X51 Jurassic Coaster bus, which the centenarian rides three times a week.

JUNE

AN inspirational great-grandmother took on a triathlon in support of Dorset-based cancer charity GO Girls. 72-year-old Sue Pollock, from Bridport, raised £1,115 for the charity, which campaigns to raise awareness for gynaecological cancers.

A SUDDEN cliff collapse at Stonebarrow narrowly missed Judy and Mike Haines, who had been out walking their dog. The couple were just 10 metres from the spot where the cliff gave way with no warning.

PARNHAM House in Beaminster was sold to a mystery buyer after being left dilapidated for more than two years. The 16th century mansion was ravaged by a fire in April 2017, largely leaving just the external walls standing.

JULY

THE long-anticipated JMW Turner painting arrived in Bridport, with a programme of events created specially to celebrate the exhibition. The painting was an original Turner watercolour depicting a ship being hauled into West Bay.

ELECTRIC skies were seen above west Dorset, with pictures and videos posted to social media showing bolts of lightening illuminating the night sky. Temperatures were expected to soar as the week continued.

TRIBUTES were paid to a West Dorset designer who was responsible for the redesign of Waitrose wine bottles. June Fraser, who lived in Beaminster, passed away aged 88.

AUGUST

TWO ex-professional sailors were rescued by the RNLI after their forestay - a rope supporting the mast - broke and their boat capsized. The incident happened 500m south of Lyme Regis amid strong winds and choppy waters.

LOCAL organisation TheHorseCourse received a grant of £90,000 from Children in Need. The project, whose patrons include actor Martin Clunes, provides equine-assisted support for young people and adults with complex and challenging needs.

A COOKING demonstration at West Bexington, which was being broadcast live on ITV's This Morning, was interrupted by a helicopter landing nearby. Chef John Torode was preparing a crab linguine in the garden of The Club House when ingredients and utensils were blown away.