The Mayor of Weymouth and Portland is looking to spread some festive cheer.

First citizen Kevin Brookes has launched the mayor’s Christmas Fund Appeal which supports those in need.

He has teamed up with the Weymouth & Portland Lions Club to launch the appeal.

Cllr Brookes is appealing to the community to support those in need this Christmas and help spread some festive joy across the borough.

The appeal aims to raise as much as possible to improve the lives of those within the community.

Every single penny raised will go to those who need it most and will provide opportunities as it did last year such as:

Christmas lunch for various groups of elderly and vulnerable people

Donations to local food banks and soup kitchens

Contribution to a local hospice, care farm and other good causes

The appeal raised a total of £2,437.93 last year.

Cllr Brookes said: “I am delighted to launch this year’s Christmas Fund appeal and help those in need this festive period.

“The residents of Weymouth and Portland have always shown that wonderful community spirit over the years and I am always thankful to the hundreds of people who donate and help raise money for so many worthy causes. Weymouth and Portland Lions Club will once again administer the fund and as ever I would like to thank them for their fantastic support and effort.”

Lions Club President Roger Hogbin said: “It is with great pleasure that we will be administering the fund again this year. Thank you to everyone for their kind donations last year and I’m pleased that we can continue to help those in our community in the greatest need.”

Donations can be sent to Mayor’s Christmas Fund Appeal, Council Offices, Commercial Road, Weymouth, DT4 8NG.

All donations will be acknowledged, unless you ask to remain anonymous. Any organisations, groups or individuals that could benefit from the funds support this year can contact the above address.