Nearly £13,000 has been handed out to good causes in Bridport as a popular car boot sale wraps up for another year.

The annually-distributed Bridport Area Car Boot Fund has been collected and given out to 23 good causes in and around the Bridport area.

The funding came from the weekly car boot sales held at West Bay and was distributed by a panel consisting of district councillors from local wards.

Chairman of the panel, Cllr Keith Day, was joined by Cllrs Derek Bussell and Dave Rickard to hand over the proceeds.

Speaking at a celebration tea attended by representatives of the organisations which have benefited from the find this year, Cllr Day said: “As you probably know, a new unitary council – Dorset Council – will take over the functions of Dorset County Council and West Dorset District Council, among others, in April next year, so this is sadly the last organised by West Dorset.

“That said, something you may not have realised is that our town council has taken responsibility for the operation of the car boot sale since July this year.

“Subject to the confirmation by West Dorset District Council, Bridport will run it again from April when the sales start next year and I am sure that Bridport Town Council will continue to provide the car boot fund, so you will, I hope, see a seamless transition.

“Personally, I think the car boot fund is very special, as our remit is not as rigid as most funds.

“The panel is made up of local councillors, distributing funds to local causes - with all the local knowledge this brings with it.

“This local focus allows us to provide funding for start-up organisations and other similar entities that would not normally qualify for funding.

“So, long may it continue.”