AN OLYMPIAN’S signature ensured this year’s Dorset Echo annual photographic book sold for quadruple the price for a worthy cause at a charity auction in Weymouth.

Double Olympic medallist Nick Dempsey, who claimed silver at this year’s home Games, put his stamp of approval on the glossy new publication, which showcases Dorset’s beauty spots.

Weymouth windsurfer Nick also wrote the foreword for Dorset: A Photographic Journey in an Olympic Year, and this year’s offering is bigger and better than ever with a special section on the historic event.

Hairdressing salon owner Shaun Hennessy was the highest bidder when the signed book was donated by the Dorset Echo to a charity auction at the Open4Business Awards dinner, held at Weymouth College.

The item raised £65 for O4B’s chosen charity, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, which saves lives at sea.

In all, the evening raised £1,618 for the RNLI.

Shaun, of Blondz in St Edmund Street, said: “Obviously the reason we bought it was for a great cause.

“The night was all about helping the lifeboat charity and it’s a great book with fantastic images of the town.

“Great memories, what a fantastic summer for us all to be able to remember.

“Obviously as Nick is one of our clients it seemed fair and sensible for us to support it.”

Dorset: A Photographic Journey in an Olympic Year, costing £14.95, comes hot on the heels of another special souvenir publication produced by the Echo called When the World came to Weymouth, priced at £3.95.

Both books are available from the Dorset Echo offices on the Granby Industrial Estate, Weymouth and in Antelope Walk, Dorchester and the Bridport News office in East Street.