Thousands of pounds was raised for a hospital cancer appeal thanks to the people behind Dorset County Show.

Dorchester Agricultural Society held an auction of promises with funds raised donated to Dorset County Hospital’s Cancer Appeal.

Thanks to some incredible prizes, a total of £16,500 was raised.

The event attracted 380 guests who had the opportunity to bid on 45 exclusive lots donated by local businesses, which included two European holidays, pottery lessons and professional catering for a dinner party of 10. The top 15 lots were auctioned off by Garry Batt of Duke’s Auctions, based in Dorchester.

Will Hyde, show secretary, said: “We were keen to support Dorset County Hospital in raising funds for their latest appeal. We are grateful for all our members and people from the community, who came together to help us raise this tremendous amount of money for a vital service.

“This is a cause that is close to everyone’s hearts and we are proud to have played our part in helping them reach their target. I’m sure that we all understand the crucial support and services that the hospital provides. It was important to us to raise the funds required to enable the hospital to continue to help a large number of people in the county.”

Simon Pearson, head of fundraising at Dorset County Hospital, added: “This is a tremendous achievement and we are grateful to everyone who has supported the Appeal over the past two and a half years. Hundreds of local people and many organisations and community groups have made generous donations and run amazing fundraising events on our behalf. We would like to thank them all – we couldn’t have done it without your help.”

The Dorset Echo-backed Cancer Appeal launched in 2016, with an aim of raising £1.75m to bring world-class cancer services to Dorchester.

The project will provide facilities for cancer patients particularly from north, south and west Dorset and will support the provision of radiotherapy services in Dorchester for the first time.

The target was reached earlier this month, with the final donation from the Fortuneswell Cancer Trust, which also made the first donation back in 2016.

Dorchester Agricultural Society was formed in 1840 and is responsible for organising some of Dorset’s most recognisable agricultural events, including Dorset County Show, which attracts 60,000 people across the two-day event, taking place on September 7 and 8, 2019. Visit dorsetcountyshow.co.uk for more information.