Two rival law firms in West Dorset are going head to head to raise funds for children affected by family separation.

Family lawyers from Battens Solicitors and Redferns Solicitors are hoping to raise £4,000 for the website of newly established charity Kids in the Middle, where children can share and discuss their experiences online. Both firms are founding charity partners, and the service will be backed by professional counselling and mentoring.

Cherise Luke-Bennett from Battens, which has offices in Weymouth and Dorchester said: “Nationally, some 400,000 children each year are affected by family separation. It is traumatic for every one of them and seriously damaging to some.

“Kids in the Middle aims to create a new and permanent online service for these children. Young people and parents can see and hear the story of separation from the perspective of children who have been through it.” To help fund the website’s development, both firms are staging a competitive sports day, quiz and treasure hunt.

Georgina Bacon from Redferns, which has offices in Weymouth and Portland, said teams from each firm wants to see who can raise more money.

She added: “As family law solicitors, we see situations all too often where children can be forgotten when parents separate. We are joining family law and mediation firms across the country to help promote the new service.”

The first challenge, a sports day, takes place at The Marsh sports ground in Weymouth on June 7. The quiz is at the Oasis restaurant and wine bar on Weymouth Harbourside on June 18. For details call Georgina on 01305 823636 or Cherise on 774666.