A BELOVED soap actress has helped to raise almost £1,000 for charity as she bids farewell to Dorset.

Thelma Barlow, who played Mavis on Coronation Street for more than two decades, has lived in Swanage for the last 13 years.

She attended an auction and quiz night held to raise money for EDP Drug and Alcohol Services, organised by James Smith Funeral Directors.

The event raised £913.95 in total for the charity, which supports people to address issues with drug and alcohol misuse in their lives.

It has a centre in Swanage and supports people across the whole of the South West.

Thelma took part in the event and contributed a dinner for four at the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club in Studland as an auction lot.

Other donated lots included gift vouchers for Fontwell Park racecourse, a family pass for Swanage Railway, chocolates, photography, wine and a studio tour of Hot Radio.

The 86-year-old actress is relocating to Kent in order to live closer to her son.

She said: "It was an opportunity to support a very good cause before I say goodbye to Swanage."

Swanage resident Andrew Brewin, along with his partner Lesley McLintic and their friend Andrea Dunckley, won the bidding.

They were taken to the golf club dinner in a limousine driven by Derek Trotter from the funeral directors.

Andrea said: "It was a fantastic meal and Thelma was superb company; so down to earth and easy to talk to.

"The food and service were excellent and the views are amazing from the golf club.

"To be chauffeur driven there and back in such a lovely car was wonderful.

"It is sad for Swanage to be losing Thelma, but moving to Kent will be good for her."

Thelma made her first appearance as Mavis Riley, later Mavis Wilton, on Coronation Street in 1971 and subsequently became a well-known series regular.

She was best known for her comedic partnership with Rita Fairclough, played by Barbara Knox, at The Kabin newsagent.

The character left the show in 1997 following the death of her on-screen husband Derek.

She was hugely popular with Coronation Street fans and was described as a "national institution" by critics on her departure.