TWO local charities are joining forces to help people in and around Dorchester who are struggling in the recession.

The Lions Club of Dorchester and District is strengthening its links with the Dorchester, Sherborne and Districts Citizens Advice Bureau to offer advice and help people stay out of debt. CAB branch manager Daniel Cadisch said: “This link is between two highly respected local community organisations getting together to support CAB clients at a time of special need in their lives.

“The Lions do a great job in raising funds that benefit the local community. We can suggest to them where specific donations could make a huge difference to our clients.”

The Lions Club has already provided £130 to buy a cooker and fridge-freezer for a Dorchester couple and similar items worth £100 for an elderly man in the area.

Mr Cadisch said: “These are examples of the way people’s lives can be greatly improved by a partnership between two charities.”