A DORSET solicitors has donated £2,000 to a vital children's charity. 

Blanchards Bailey presented the cheque to the Blandford Opportunity Group after raising much-needed funds during the past year. 

The Blandford Opportunity Group is a pre-school for children with additional needs and was the firm's chosen charity of the year for 2016. 

The vital money raised will go towards buying new resources for the group. 

Nicola Roper from the Blandford Opportunity Group, said: “We are extremely grateful for the efforts of Blanchards Bailey and the money raised for the opportunity group. 

"We have already bought a light box for the children to use. We are also planning to update our outside area now the weather is improving and hope to enhance this with lots of gardening equipment and plants and flowers.”

Lawyers carried out a host of fundraising activities throughout 2016 including a quiz night, raffle, the Trailway Challenge, dragon boat racing, bake sales, dress down days, social evenings and an Easter egg hunt. 

Blanchards Bailey also supported the charity at various events such as the Dorset Steam Fair and for its Christmas Yuletide celebration where solicitors handed out mince pies and mulled wine.

Solicitor and Mediator at Blanchards Bailey, Laura Martin, said: “We are pleased to have raised this money for such a worthy cause as the Blandford Opportunity Group. The charity does great work in the community by supporting children who need additional help and giving them better opportunities in life.

“We have really enjoyed being involved and raising money for the fantastic children and staff at the school. Whether it was the Trailway Challenge, dragon boat racing - where three of our solicitors took part - or social events, everyone had a great time while knowing they were helping the charity. 

“Supporting worthwhile local charities is something that is important to the team at Blanchards Bailey and we are proud to have helped the Blandford Opportunity Group throughout 2016. We now look forward to helping Age UK Dorchester as our chosen charity for this year.”

Blanchards Bailey was established in Dorset in 1924.

The firm has offices in Blandford, Shaftesbury, Dorchester and Weymouth.

For more information visit blanchardsbailey.co.uk