Staff at a residential children’s home in Weymouth have celebrated receiving a poignant £300 donation.

The Cherries, a home for children with severe learning disabilities and autism, was one of the chosen charities for the Hotel Mon Ami’s weekly fundraising raffle of donated goods and prizes.

The hotel is owned by the daughters of Len Mahoney, a well-known local businessman who passed away in May and supported the work of the home.

Mr Mahoney was keen for some of the raffle proceeds to be donated to the home, and with this in mind £300 was presented to the children and staff at The Cherries by Tony and Shirley Barrett on behalf of Mr Mahoney and the Hotel Mon Ami.

Jim Collins, resources manager at The Cherries, said: “I would very much like to thank the late Len Mahoney and his family for thinking of us, and the Hotel Mon Ami for their efforts in raising and presenting the money to us. I know that the children will benefit greatly from some new sensory toys and play equipment which is what we will put the money towards.”