Life Education Wessex has been selected as the charity of the year by Dorset solicitors Humphries Kirk for the 10th year in a row.

Felicity Hedger, former senior partner at Humphries Kirk initiated the partnership when she was moved by a story about a new born baby being exposed to illegal drugs that was told at a charity networking event in 2004.

Felicity went on to become a trustee of the charity and still supports its work today.

She said: “Children today are under increasing pressures to damage their health and future through poor diets, unhealthy lifestyles, smoking, drugs and alcohol, which is why education in their developing years is so important. We hope that through our support we can raise even more awareness for this important cause.”

Life Education Wessex has also been the charity of the month of TV presenter Gok Wan, who is a supporter of their Harold’s Challenge fundraising initiative which aims to raise £50,000 over the coming year to help teach children to make healthy lifestyle choices as they grow up.

Lorraine Hewitt, fundraising manager for Life Education Wessex was delighted that the charity had been chosen by Humphries Kirk for a second time.

She said: “We really value their support which has made such a positive difference to local children over the years.”