WOMEN in a Dorchester refuge will be pampering themselves at Christmas thanks to kind-hearted donations.

The Dorchester Community Area Partnership donated the hamper of goodies to the West Dorset Women’s Refuge with donations given by members at the group’s community lunch.

Chairman of the refuge and town councillor Mollie Rennie said: “This group has supported us for quite some time now and it’s great to get a pamper hamper together for the women.

“We get many donations of things for the children, so it’s lovely that the mums get something too.”

Slippers, jewellery, sweets and body lotion were among the donated items.

Coun Rennie said: “It’s so kind of people to donate gifts for the mums. The community support for the refuge is just amazing.

“You keep hearing in these tough times that charity giving is down, but so many are continually supportive in this town.”

She added: “It’s particularly important at this time of year, because there’s a lot of pressure during Christmas to return.

“Our women might not be at home with their families, so it’s important to make it as nice as possible for them.”

Round-the-clock advice and help for women is available by calling the refuge hotline on 01305 262444.