Good causes will say 'cheers' as they get a financial boost from a brewer.

Independent Dorset brewer Hall & Woodhouse has launched its Community Chest Awards which supports voluntary causes.

It aims to improve both the facilities and the lives of people in the community by providing grants to local voluntary groups which require financial support.

Now in its 18th year, Hall & Woodhouse has again pledged £50,000 which will be shared amongst the charities for good causes from across its southern trading area.

Voluntary groups can now apply online for grants between £300 and £3,000 to help them achieve their aims.

Grants could be awarded for new equipment, training, transport or running costs and can be made towards youth services, the elderly, less abled, conservation, arts or any other projects that enhance the local community.

The launch of this year’s Community Chest was held at The Grasshopper pub in Poole.

Councillors and other special guests attended the launch which outlined the 2019 scheme and celebrated H&W’s support of High Mead Farm, a non-profit community interest company in east Dorset which provides 'therapeutic farming'.

Chairman of Hall & Woodhouse Mark Woodhouse said: “Since we set up the Community Chest in 2002, we are proud to have awarded more than £500,000 to 741 voluntary organisations.

"It’s great to support local voluntary organisations as no company can survive without the help and support of its local community and the Community Chest is our opportunity to support those who support us. We are constantly impressed by what great things voluntary organisations can achieve with modest amounts of money. We look forward to another successful year of grant giving in 2019.”

Applicants have until Friday, May 31 to submit their grant request. More information and application forms can be downloaded at www.hall-woodhouse.co.uk/communitychest and then emailed to communitychest@hall-woodhouse.co.uk for consideration.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by the end of September 2019 and cheques will be presented to the successful organisations at an awards evening in October 2019.