A skills centre for Shaftesbury has taken a step closer to reality.

County, district, and town councils have joined forces with Yeovil College to draw up a blueprint for the centre.

Town councillor Mick Hicks said the centre was vital if Shaftesbury was to keep its skilled young people.

Council officers have pledged to meet “soon” to discuss services, location and funding.

Land on the new Persimmon Homes development on the eastern edge of the town, at Coppice Street, and at Mampitts Lane, are understood to be under consideration.