More than £600 has been raised through an all-day coffee morning at Bridport Leisure Centre.

The centre held the fundraiser as part of World Cancer Day and raised £626.85 for The Living Tree and Stepping Out in Bridport, and Ducks and Drakes based in Dorchester.

The Living Tree is a self-help support group for people who have experienced cancer and for their families and carers. It was set up by Jo Millar and the late Jo O'Farrell.

Treasurer and trustee Vince O'Farrell helped out on the day. He said: "I really enjoyed it. It was good to be here and meet so many people coming into the centre.

"We have recently obtained an allotment to enable us to see therapy for members who enjoy being outside - no gardening skills necessary. In addition to the vegetable beds, we have a greenhouse and fruit cages - the monies raised will help towards allotment costs."

The Living Tree will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Various events will be taking place around the town, including ab exhibition of members' work at Bridport Arts Centre in early September.

To find out more, visit thelivingtree.org.uk 

Stepping Out is based at Bridport Leisure Centre and helps members with their recovery, during and after their cancer diagnosis. It provides exercise classes, educational talks and taster sessions in a range of activities, such as Nordic walking, yoga, football and weekly sessions of indoor bowls.

Richard Walsh and Jo Perfect, who run the sessions, said: "Our members volunteered by contributing cakes and helping with teas and coffees. We are grateful to Bridport Leisure Centre for organising and hosting such a wonderful event.

"All of our sessions are delivered free and are funded by grants and fundraising. We need events like this to keep us going. The money raised will go directly towards funding our taster sessions."

New participants are always welcome. To find out more, email [email protected]