Audience members drunk up thy cider and had a fantastic time at a variety show which raised £4,000 for good causes.

Weymouth Rotary Club members were delighted to present four £1,000 cheques to each of the charities supported by the show ‘Wurzels & Friends’ at Weymouth Pavilion.

It was headlined by 'Scrumpy and Western' superstars The Wurzels and also featured talented youngsters from WOW Youth Musical Theatre and Let’s Dance, the popular Rock Choir and 'voice of cool swing' Darron Garnett.

Weldmar Hospicecare, Julia’s House children’s hospice, Weymouth Lifeboat, and Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance were the beneficiaries from the show in May.

Event organiser Adrian Atkinson said: “This success was the result of what has been truly exceptional local community teamwork.

“Our club members and the charities are really grateful for the combined support and encouragement of so many local people – performers on stage, business sponsors, hundreds of people in the audience, volunteers from all four charities, and the Dorset Echo.

“The Wurzels were brilliant on the night and kindly reduced their fees as they do for charity events. We are so grateful to Rock Choir, Let’s Dance, WOW Youth Musical Theatre and our compere Darron Garnett, all gave fantastic performances at no cost.

“Thank you also to our local business sponsors.

“At the end of the day, our Rotary’s Club’s philosophy and actions are all down to community spirit – and so was the success of our first ever charity concert here in Weymouth."

Julia's House said the £1,000 meant so much – £970 provides a bespoke six-week play plan tailored to a child’s abilities for use at home or within the community.

The RNLI said the money would go towards making sure the crew are safe when they go on 'shouts'. A safety kit costs approximately £1,800.

The air ambulance operates 365 days a year and with each mission costing approximately £3,000, the charity said it was grateful to receive support from events such as this.

Fiona Hansford, Weldmar’s Business Development Fundraiser, said: "The money raised will help Weldmar to continue providing outstanding end of life care across Dorset, supporting patients and their families where and when they need us most – in their homes, in a local hospital, in our hospice, or over the phone.”