DRESS-down Fridays have helped to raise money for Dorset's first children's hospice.

Employees from Synergy Housing Group (SHG) each paid a pound to leave their uniforms at home.

They raised £258.58 for the Julia's House children's hospice.

SHG administrative officer Jane Evans nominated the charity as her great-niece Kaitlin benefits from the facilities at the hospice.

Kaitlin's dad, David said: "We are so lucky it's here. The respite care lets us get on with ordinary day-to-day jobs.

"We would struggle on our own looking after Kaitlin."

The hospice cares for children throughout Dorset, the majority of whom are not expected to live into adulthood.

Supporting the children and their families, the organisation gives parents a break from the pressures of meeting the complex medical needs of their children.

The hospice opened in March and aims to expand its services, which will require more money.

Julia's House community fundraiser Lin Hudswell said: "We are aiming at £1.2 million for 2007, which is 50 per cent more than this year. Quite simply, the more money we can raise, the more we can help Dorset families."