FUNDRAISERS handed over proceeds after an explosive extravaganza in Weymouth.

Event organiser Jon Gabb presented a cheque for £900 to Weldmar community fundraiser Kate Slade.

Volunteers collected the cash at the annual Southill Fireworks event for the Dorset Echo and Weldmar’s Show Them You Care campaign.

Mr Gabb said: “A big thank-you goes to all who helped in any way towards the event.

“All sorts of people are involved, from making tea and coffee for helpers to stewarding and collecting, from firing the display to litter picking at the end, and from providing barriers to providing entertainment.

“A massive thank-you to all.”

He added: “On the night, the rain stopped, the wind dropped and the event went ahead successfully as planned.

“I was very happy with all that happened and I am looking forward now to Southill Fireworks 2010.

“Ideas are already in my head.”

Volunteers, stewards, pyrotechnicians from Anytime Fireworks and helpers attended the presentation at the John Gregory pub at Southill.

Weymouth Community Volunteers were among the helpers at the event.

Other charities and non-profit organisations also had stalls and raised £241 between them. They were Southill School PTA, Southill Youth Club and Kidz R Us.

* SPONSORS who helped the event go ahead included: Absolute Cooling, Advoco, JD Yachts Ltd, LG interiors Ltd, Damers Blinds & Awnings, Albion Shipping Services, Bridwey Precision Engineering Ltd, Fortis Insurance.

Others who were unable to attend were: John Gregory, Dunnings Automatics, AKI Ltd, Tidings Newsagent, Southill Snooker Club, Independent Financial Solutions, Bartlett’s Garage, Angel Pharmacy, S L Williams, BEC.