A pig racing event has raised a further £800 for a hospital's appeal, pushing funds ever so closer to the final target.

The money was raised for the Dorset County Hospital (DCH) Charity's Cancer Appeal by Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall committee.

Representatives of the committee recently visited DCH this week to see the new Radiotherapy and Cancer Outpatient building on Bridport Road and to hand over a cheque to the charity team.

The group organised a very successful pig racing event in April which was supported by more than 80 people who joined in with a series of sponsored races and a raffle, followed by refreshments and a ploughman’s.

Each race was sponsored by a different business including the Five Bells pub, Felicity’s Farm Shop, John Bright Fencing, Mac Builders, Castle Builders and Electrics, Paul White Builders, Bere Hayes Leisure, Washingpool Farm Shop and Morecombelake Post Office.

The final race was put up for raffle, with the winner receiving £150.

Philip Page, chairman of the committee said: “Most of the committee have either experienced cancer themselves or have supported a close family or friend going through treatment. We are very aware of the difference new outpatient and treatment facilities in Dorchester will make, particularly when the radiotherapy unit is operational.”

David Tett, Dorset County Hospital’s Governor for West Dorset added: “This is a fine gesture on the part of the Village Hall Committee and the people of Whitchurch Canonicorum who appreciate the need and importance of this facility in West Dorset.”

A further £800 from the event was given to the Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall fund.

The Cancer Appeal total is currently £1.6 million out of a target of £1.75 million. The charity team is working alongside many people in the community who continue to actively fundraise with a number of events planned for the next few months.

If you would like to support the appeal or hold a fundraising event of your own contact the charity team on 01305 253215 or visit dchft.nhs.uk/charity