THE charity Dorset Advocacy has been awarded a grant of £500 from Lloyds Bank following a fundraising drive earlier this month.

Members of the charity, based in Dorchester, attended Lloyds bank to urge members of the public to vote for it in the Lloyds Community Fund competition.

Dorset Advocacy was first established in 1993 and helps all sectors of the community to make sure they have access to services, opportunities and the healthcare they are entitled to.

The group is currently raising funds to help older people who are isolated or are suffering with serious health issues, such as dementia.

Michael Pochin, Dorset Advocacy operational director, said: “We would like to thank the staff and customers of Lloyds Bank Dorchester and the Lloyds Community Foundation for this opportunity to raise awareness of our work. We know that advocates can make a huge difference to the quality of life of people across the community.”

The Lloyds Bank Community Fund was set up to help local people across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and Isle of Man to have a positive impact at the heart of their community by giving grants to 1,400 local good causes in 350 communities, and allows customers to choose which organisations the bank donates to.

Colin Cracknell, Lloyds Dorchester branch manager, said: “We are pleased to develop even stronger links with local organisations.”