Bridport businesses have lent a helping hand in Dorset Council employees raising £5,000 for charity.

Colleagues across the council organised a series of virtual events during this second lockdown, such as a raffle, quizzes, dress-up day and a silent auction to raise money for BBC's Children in Need and Friends of Dorset Care Leavers. Some took on personal challenges too, including a sponsored silence, going sugar-free and running.

Local businesses were amongst the people that donated prizes and included Dorset Nectar Cider, The Parlour in Burton Bradstock and Baboo Gelato.

Council employees and their families as well as businesses across Dorset – and a couple from Devon and Cornwall – also donated prizes.

Friends of Dorset Care Leavers helps young people leaving care through activities, gift packages and general support and BBC's Children in Need helps fund projects in communities across the UK. The money raised will be split equally between the two groups.

Liz Curtis-Jones, early years lead for Dorset Council who co-ordinated the fundraising, said: "We raise money every year and didn't want Covid-19 to get in the way of this in 2020.

"I wondered how well we would do it virtually, but I am absolutely blown away by the response – we've actually more than doubled the amount we've raised previously.

"I'm so proud of my colleagues for getting involved and donating, but I'm particularly grateful to the local businesses who kindly donated prizes, especially in these difficult times. It shows how much kindness and generosity there is across Dorset.

"The money raised will make such a difference to children and young people's lives, so a big thank you to everyone."