Volunteers will be out in force in Dorchester to mark this year’s Christian Aid Week, which takes place from May 12-19.

The week of activities begins with an ecumenical services at St Peter’s Church on Sunday, May 12 at 4pm, where the guest speaker will be Katie Roberts, who has recently been appointed head of Christian Aid South West region.

The annual Christian Aid market will take place at the United Church Hall on Wednesday, May 15 from 9.45am-2pm. There will be a range of stalls, coffee, tea and lunches available.

The street collection will take place in South Street on Friday, May 17 from 9am-5pm and this will be followed by the annual sponsored walk to the River Jordan on Saturday, May 18, which will start at St Peter’s Church, North Square at 9.30am and end at Bowleaze Cove, Preston. The eight mile walk is shorter than in previous years and organisers would love to see more friends and families taking part.

Throughout the week, there will house to house collections taking place with funds raised going to Christian Aid projects in Sierra Leone.

Tony Boyden, Christian Aid’s Dorchester and District chairman, urged people to come forward and volunteer during the week, particularly for house to house and street collections.