DORSET brewer Hall & Woodhouse has just awarded more than £25,000 to 27 local causes across the south west.

The Community Chest Awards are now in their 17th year, and this most recent ceremony was held at the Crown Hotel in Blandford.

The awards were set up with the aim of improving facilities and the lives of people in the community, by providing grants to local voluntary groups and causes that require financial support.

The scheme has awarded nearly £600,000 to just under 1,000 organisations since it was established in 2002, and this year the fund was boosted by a £500 donation from the White Hart Book Club at Longham.

Mark Woodhouse, chairman, and Anthony Woodhouse, managing director of Hall & Woodhouse, welcomed guests including Angus Campbell, Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset and the Mayor and Mayoress of Blandford Forum, councillor Roger Carter and Heather Carter, to the awards ceremony to show support for the charities and causes on the night.

One of the applicants to receive funding was Burngate Stone Carving Centre in Swanage, which was presented with £2,595 to pay for 12 weekly art and skills sessions for people experiencing social isolation and mental health issues.

The Mosaic charity was presented with £750 to provide additional resources to support its work with bereaved children and their families in Dorset.

Mark Woodhouse, chairman of Hall & Woodhouse, said: “We are thrilled to be able to donate funding and support local worthy causes across the county.

"It is always a privilege to hear about the charities that are achieving such fantastic things to positively impact and support as many people as possible in Dorset.

“We are proud of our Dorset roots and are committed to providing ongoing support for our local communities and their causes as a way of giving back to our heartland for its loyalty over the years.”

Applications will be open for the 2019 Community Chest awards in March, when groups can request funding ranging from £300 to £3,000 to help them achieve their aims.

For more info visit www.hall-woodhouse.co.uk