The Mayor of Weymouth and Portland Gill Taylor is appealing for people to support those in need this Christmas.

The Mayor and the Weymouth & Portland Lions Club have once again teamed up to launch the annual Christmas Fund Appeal.

The appeal aims to raise as much money 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, including Christmas lunch for various groups of elderly and vulnerable people, donations to local food banks and soup kitchens and contribution to other local good causes.

Last year, the appeal raised a total of £1,490.90.

Mayor Gill Taylor said: "I’m absolutely delighted to announce the launch of this year’s Christmas Fund appeal. Donations received will be used to help those in need over the festive season. We have strong communities in Weymouth who demonstrate year on year their commitment to support each other and I’m always grateful to those who donate and help raise money to support all our residents at this time of year. Weymouth & Portland Lions Club will once again administer the fund and as ever I would like to thank them for their fantastic support and effort."

Weymouth & Portland 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 of any amount are greatly received and 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.