The towns of St George, Lyme Regis and Jamestown have joined forces to form a unique Atlantic triangle.

The “tripling” of the three historic towns was announced this morning and will pave the way for establishing sustainable and mutually beneficial links between the ancient maritime communities.

The three-way relationship is based on the historic ties between the towns that were created during the development of the British colony in the Americas at Jamestown in 1607.

The move has been hailed as an exciting development in cultural tourism.

“This Tripling is a unique triangular relationship representing the challenges, struggles and hardships of the founding of early British America,” said Richard Spurling, chairman of the St George's Foundation.

“The leveraging of this relationship will lead to many opportunities for Lyme Regis, St George and Jamestown and is a truly exciting development for cultural tourism.”

Quinell Francis, the Mayor of St George, added: “Sir George Somers has played a significant part in the history to what we now know as the Historic Atlantic Triangle.

“We in the town of St George are quite happy to be a part of this connection with Lyme Regis and Jamestown, Virginia and look forward to many visiting the home of Sir George Somers heart, which is buried at Somers Gardens.”

The “tripling” of the towns is expected to provide new opportunities to market cultural tourism between Britain, Bermuda and North America as well as a better understanding of the historical and cultural links between the communities.

Elizabeth Kostelny, chief executive officer of Preservation Virginia, said: “This tripling reminds of us that connections are important in history and for our future.

“Preservation Virginia is excited about the potential this relationship has to share the history and support cultural tourism between the three communities.”

Owen Lovell, the Mayor of Lyme Regis, added: “Our tripling will benefit all of us by attracting more visitors who we hope will leave with a better appreciation and understanding of the contribution made by Sir George Somers and the other founders of British America, Bermuda and the British Empire.”