Good causes across Dorset will benefit from a share of £50,000 thanks to a family brewing company.

Hall & Woodhouse announced that it will be awarding 35 grants to worthy causes across the south as part of its annual Community Chest Awards.

Charities and community groups have benefited from the fund, with more than £25,000 awarded to 18 organisations in Dorset at an awards ceremony at The Brewery Tap in Blandford. 

A grant of £2,000 was awarded to Cycling Without Age, an organisation which helps people with limited mobility in Weymouth still have an active life.

Meanwhile, a total of £3,000 was awarded to Vale Pantry, which provides aid to those in North Dorset with limited access to food.

Mark Woodhouse, family director of Hall & Woodhouse, said: “Our Community Chest was founded over 20 years ago to support and strengthen the local communities which make Hall & Woodhouse such a vibrant company.

"It is both an honour and a necessity to provide funding for these good causes that play such vital roles in our communities.

“With costs rising during a financially difficult time for many, being able to offer necessary support for those in desperate need is more important now, than ever before."