The Rotary Club of Bridport has thanked the town for its support shown for those affected by devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

Having considered how best to respond to the destruction and suffering caused by the earthquakes, members of the Rotary Club of Bridport took to the streets of Bridport for four hours last weekend for a street collection. 

Club president Colin Bowditch said: "The weather was kind, the town was busy and the people of Bridport displayed their usual generosity.

"More than £2,120 was collected on the streets and, with the help of Gift Aid, this will increase to more than £2,650. A wonderful achievement in such a short time."

Rotary International has local clubs working in the Turkey and Syria border region to provide support with food, water and shelter.

The money collected by the Rotary Club of Bridport will go to towards ShelterBox, Water Survival Box and the Disaster Emergency Committee.

Mr Bowditch continued: "It does show that there is a very compassionate body of people in Bridport willing to offer such financial help.

"It is right that Rotary provides the means where they can give that help."

ShelterBox has added its appreciation, saying: "Thank you so much for your amazing support, and the generosity of the local community to help with displaced families."

A second collection will be held in Morrison's on Saturday, February 18 from 9am to 1pm. The Club gives its thanks and appreciation to Morrisons in allowing the collection to take place.

The Rotary Club of Bridport meets two or three times a month, normally at the Bridport and West Dorset Golf Club at 6pm for 6.30pm. Guests are always welcome.

More details of the club's activities can be found at www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=1197 or via the Facebook page www.facebook.com/bridportrotary