A charity event which was part of a runner's London Marathon fundraising was a financial success.

Emily Stephens organised a charity coffee morning for Relate Dorset.

The event was held at the Poundbury-based charity's headquarters and raised £550.

Emily said: "We raised £550 at the coffee morning, including selling leftover cake at the rugby club afterwards and a flurry of online donations after so it was really worthwhile."

The event was Emily's only fundraiser ahead of her running the London Marathon on Sunday, April 22.

Several businesses including Dorset Wine, Cherryade, Bon Bons, Dorset Cereals, Tesco, House of Dorchester and The Duchy gave generous donations towards the raffle.

A spokesman for Relate said: "Relate Dorset and South Wiltshire are proud to be supported by Emily as she trains to run her first ever marathon in London on April 22.

"Emily is proving ambitious, resourceful and enthusiastic in her fund raising efforts, the latest of which opened the doors of the Relate Centre in Poundbury for the sale of home-made cakes, coffee and magnificent raffle generously supported by businesses on Poundbury.

"The money raised by Emily will be used specifically to support individuals who would usually find the price of accessing Relate services a barrier to attending high quality and confidential therapeutic counselling.

"We are honoured to be working with Emily and her family."

The charity is the UK's largest provider of relationship support, nationally helping over a million people of all ages, backgrounds and sexual orientations each year, helping individuals to get the most out of their relationships.

For more information, visit relate.org.uk