A meal and auction raised £2,500 to help the Dorchester Opportunity Group survive a few more months.

Guests met at Poundbury’s Bramble Café and Deli restaurant to help the under threat west Dorset children’s charity, which helps preschool children with a wide variety of additional needs and provides support for their parents, carers and siblings.

During a four-course meal and auction they raised £2,500 to help it survive beyond November.

The crisis struck as the Big Lottery funding for the group came to an end, and now it needs £20,000 or it will close after serving the community for 25 years. The charity gives one-to-one care to preschool children with additional needs and disabilities, including Down’s, Autism Spectrum Disorder and cerebral palsy.

Masterchef winner Mat Follas and business partner Katy Barnard gave their time and restaurant free for the sell-out event.

All 11 lots were bought, which were auctioned off by Bradley Towell, auctioneer at Symonds and Sampson, who also gave his time free.

Lots came from Brian Keene of BSK Services Ltd – a flight up and down the Jurassic Coast, Bestival, Spotify, The Duchy, Emm-Power Ltd, House of Dorchester, Moonfleet Manor Hotel, Chucky Taylor Fitness and the Dorset Golf and Country Club.

Food and drink was generously supplied free or at cost from Brace of Butchers in Poundbury, The Dorset Wine Company, Samways Fish Merchants, Purbeck Ice Cream, Olives Et Al and Waitrose.

Nyree Gibbs, manager at The Dorchester Opportunity Group, said: “It was a great evening. Everyone had a good time with lovely food, a fantastic atmosphere, and all the lots sold! We’re extremely grateful to everyone who supported us.”

Mat Follas said: “This is such a great charity and I’m very happy we could help. I really hope it survives as it very respected in the community and does a wonderful job.”

Top paediatrician consultants at the Dorchester County Hospital led by are also lending strong support.

Dr Wei Liang Yap said: “It would be a significant loss if these children were no longer able to access this service. Not only does The Dorchester Opportunity Group benefit them in stimulating their development, but it also gives invaluable support to parents and carers. There is no equivalent locally.”

See dorchesteropportunitygroup.co.uk for more information.