Two charities based in Dorset received a £1,000 Christmas gift thanks to the Benefact Group.

The charities were nominated to win a share of £120,000 by members of the public as part of the Benefact Group's annual 12 Days of Giving Christmas campaign.

The Manta Trust, a manta ray preservation charity, based in Corscombe, near Beaminster, which funds research and education to conserve habitats, and Rushton Dog Rescue, which rescues and rehabilitates dogs, have both benefitted from grants following overwhelming public support in the area.

More than 2,700 Dorset residents nominated a cause close to their hearts, with 2,200 charitable causes in the area receiving votes. 

The 120 winning charities across the UK were picked at random from those nominated.

Thanking supporters in Dorset, Mark Hews, group chief executive of Benefact Group, said: "Charitable giving is at the heart of our business at the Benefact Group. We are delighted to be giving back to deserving charitable causes once more with our annual 12 Days of Giving Christmas campaign, part of our Movement for Good Awards. 

"In these challenging times, we know that £1,000 can make a real difference and we're looking forward to seeing how this festive financial boost will changes lives for the better and bring a positive start to 2023.

"Out of some five million companies in the UK, we are the fourth largest corporate donor and have an ambition to be the largest. As a group of financial service businesses, uniquely owned by a charity, all available profits go to good causes, and the more our loyal customers support us to grow, the more the group can give. 

"As a company, our purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society and, together, we can help many good causes to continue their support for those who need it most in these difficult times."

A representative from The Manta Trust said: "A huge thank you to the Movement for Good for funding our essential education work around the world."

The full list of the 120 charity winners is available to view online at www.movementforgood.com/12days