A DORCHESTER firm has been praised for supporting good causes, helping children with its exclusive sweet treats.

Poundbury-based House of Dorchester donated giant 5kg chocolate Santas to Julia’s House children’s hospice in Dorset and the Children’s Trust, the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injuries.

The two-foot tall Santas were made specially and are not available on the high street.

House of Dorchester’s commercial manager Annie Carter also delivered more than 1,000 packs of chocolate Shimmer Snowballs and 130 Tasty Chocolate Gifting Boxes on her visit to the Children’s Trust.

She also presented a cheque for £500 – money raised by the company by switching its traditional snail mail Christmas card to an online seasonal greeting.

Melanie Bowman, senior corporate fundraiser, said: “House of Dorchester is a long standing supporter of The Children’s Trust and we are thrilled to have the company’s ongoing commitment.

“In addition to a generous cheque of £500, £375 was raised as a result of a raffle and donations made for House of Dorchester Christmas chocolates. House of Dorchester’s support helps us to provide expert rehabilitation, education, therapy and care to children and families across the UK affected by brain injury.”

Annie Carter, commercial manager for House of Dorchester said: “As we reach the close of our 50th anniversary year, we look forward to continuing to help The Children’s Trust especially since this exceptional charity celebrates a milestone 30th anniversary in 2014, marking 30 years of providing its renown services to children and their families impacted by childhood brain injury.”

A chocolate Santa was delivered to Julia’s House by House of Dorchester marketing executive Natalie Dimmock.

She said: “We are delighted to be able to support such a worthwhile local cause.

“We remain inspired by the tremendous work that Julia’s House does to maximise and enrich the quality of life for Dorset children and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

“We hope that the ‘money can’t buy’ Santa will help to raise a meaningful donation to the charity.”