Funds of the Samaritans have been boosted thanks to a donation by Magna Housing Association.

The local housing provider has pledged £1,700 from its community initiative fund to the Weymouth branch of the charity, which covers Dorset.

At the same time, Magna is supporting the Chesil Rocks festival, which raises money for the Samaritans, with a donation of £300. Last year, the festival raised more than £5,400.

Magna director David Aldwinckle said: “When we were approached for sponsorship for the festival, we were happy to help out. Our community initiative forum thought the same and has pledged to support the Samaritans to the tune of £1,700.”

Samaritans treasurer Martin Tapley said the charity appreciated Magna’s help and added that Chesil Rocks was a particularly important event in the branch’s fundraising calendar.

“It is no exaggeration to say that without the donations we receive it is difficult to envisage how we could function as a branch and provide our range of support services.”

Tim Warren, whose family organises the festival, said: “The Samaritans are a most worthwhile charity, one of the very few that provide around-the-clock cover – overnight, on weekends and on public holidays. My mother was a Samaritan and my wife, Hilary, and I are very proud to be supporting them.”

Chesil Rocks, pictured above, takes place at Higher Farmhouse, Langton Herring, on Saturday, July 5 from noon until 11.30pm. It features a line-up of quality, local musicians and fun for all the family Last year, the 500-people capacity event sold out. Teas, coffees and light refreshments will be available and there will be children’s activities including face painting, fossil painting and storytelling.

Performers across two stages include: ska band Imperial Leisure; concert pianist Duncan Honeybourne; jazz and swing band Equinox; party band The Crack; rock band WTF with Robbie McIntosh; Celtic/roots band Musaic; jazzy blues soul singer Amy Mayes; acoustic trio The Leggomen; rock band the Indices; Casterbridge Male Voice Choir; roots and folk trio Coppertongue; singer songwriters Jamie Pinnow; Ian Sedwell and Sarah de Warren; and the vintage music loving Victorian Barbers.