It was an evening of celebration and thanks as the town Mayor handed out cheques to organisations that took part in the Dorchester Rotary Club 2017 Xmas Draw.

In a presentation evening in the Colliton Club, Dorchester Rotary Club president, Richard Lock, paid tribute to the support given by the Mayor, Cllr Susie Hosford, for the draw and other Rotary Club events.

Dorchester Rotary Club organises this annual Xmas Draw whereby local organisations sell tickets and all these partaking organisations receive the money for the tickets they sell, plus a bonus from the tickets sold by the Rotary Club.

All costs, including the cash prizes, are covered by the generous sponsorship from local businesses. This means that every penny raised goes to the local organisations.

The Mayor presented cheques for a total of approximately £7,000 to 38 local organisations. The Xmas Draw supports a wide range of groups, including sports clubs, school groups, other youth groups and organisations for people with specific illnesses.

Bob Rowe who helped to organise the draw, said: “This has been another successful year, thanks to the hard work of all the organisations and the generosity of the sponsors.

“Since this annual event started in 2005, more than £100,000 has been raised for local groups.

“We would encourage any organisation that would like to partake in the event in 2018, to get in touch with the Dorchester Rotary Club.”

This is not the only event organised by the Rotary club to assist organisations to raise funds.

In April there will be a concert in the Corn Exchange and in November there will be a Christmas Fayre where local charities can book a stall.

For further details please contact Bob Rowe at bob.rowe5@btinternet.com