A marsh fritillary butterfly. Photograph by Ken Dolbear.

SHOPS around Bridport are being encouraged to get creative and decorate their  windows with butterfly-inspired designs.

A competition is being held to promote Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Wild about Bridport Butterfly Bonanza on June 4.

The contest is meant to colour Bridport’s streets with the vivid splendour of butterflies and to show how anyone can get involved in helping wildlife.

Shops known to be taking part so far are Bridport Mortgage Centre, West Dorset Mencap, Carpet World, Smith and Smith Ltd, Julia’s House Hospice Shop, Health Foods, Get Stuffed, Hair By David and Steptoes.

Businesses taking part could win a year’s corporate membership of Dorset Wildlife Trust.

Catherine Mason, Community Conservation Officer for Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Pastures New Project said: “They all seem to be really up for the challenge!”

Window displays will be up from May 14 until June 4.

They will be judged during the Bridport Butterfly Bonanza, which will run from 10am to 3pm on June 4 at Bridport Arts Centre and in the town’s Community Orchard.

Organisers hope people will discover more about local wildlife through family activities, real native wildlife and guided walks. There will also be chances to talk to experts from Dorset Wildlife Trust and Butterfly Conservation.