MARKET traders in Dorchester and charity Dorset Community Action are helping to bring some festive cheer to the West Dorset Women’s Refuge.

DCA presented the refuge with a ‘Pamper Hamper’ full of goodies for the residents while the market stall owners donated a stash of fresh food including a turkey for a Christmas day meal.

Throughout the year DCA collected more than 200 items ranging from crackers to cuddly toys and it is the fifth year DCA have provided these much needed items for the residents and their children.

A spokesman for DCA said: “We are grateful for the support of all the local people and organisations who rally round and give so generously.

“The hamper is growing in size, year on year and what isn’t handed out as presents for Christmas will be used in a ‘welcome pack’ handed to all new residents of the refuge.”

Chairman of the refuge Molly Rennie, who is also a councillor, said she was thrilled with the donations.

She said: “It’s just wonderful that people continue to support us.

“Often with charities in the first flush of them opening people want to help and then it tails off but with us it just seems to keep growing.”

Councillor Rennie added that the West Dorset refuge had also benefited from donations from people who normally gave to the Weymouth Women’s Refuge, which closed earlier this year.

n If you would like to contribute to a future Pamper Hamper contact Dorset Community Action on 01305 216400 or Coun Rennie direct on 01305 268572 if you would like to support in any way.