CHEERS... organisers of Dorchester Cider Festival have donated a barrel of cash to good causes in the area.

The event is run by Dorchester Round Table, who have shared funds raised at last summer’s event between a number of charities.

Over £6000 was donated - benefactors include The Grove Pre-School Playgroup, Dorset Youth Association, Young Carers, Dorset County Hospital's Maternity Ward, Volunteer Centre Dorset and Action for Children.

Now in its fifth year, the day-long Cider Festival is set to return to Dorchester's Borough Gardens on August 17 and will be welcoming a fabulous community of cider producers to the town.

Besides apple-based refreshment, attendees can enjoy music from The Imprints, Cuba Libre, The Jimmy Hillbillies and The Million Dollar Bash, as well as an acoustic stage and comedy tent.

Dorchester Round Table is a men’s social group which hosts the annual Cider Festival.

Robert Matthews, club chairman, said: “We’re blown away with the event's success. The festival started as a small gathering of local cider producers and has grown in popularity, helping us continue to support worthy causes."

One such organisation is the Grove Pre-School Playgroup, which caters for children with a variety of needs.

Commenting on the donation, Dorchester Round Table vice-chairman Paul Castle said: “When Cheryl from The Grove told us that the playroom floor needed replacing we could see that our financial support would go to immediate good effect and were delighted to help.”

Cheryl Graham, manager of the playgroup, said: “We are incredibly grateful and have used the kind donation to complete urgently needed repairs.”

Speaking on behalf of Dorchester Youth Association, chief executive Dave Thompson said: “It is a constant struggle to raise the funds needed to support our work.

"The donation was unexpected and very much appreciated in these difficult financial times.”

A donation was also made to Action for Children. Representing the charity, Sara Shearman said: “We were so grateful to receive this amazing donation.

"These funds will be used to help provide emergency accommodation to homeless young people in Dorset via our Nightstop Project."

Dorchester Cider Festival is run by volunteers and relies on sponsorship.

The Round Table said it welcomes involvement from local businesses or organisations that would like to be part of this year's event.

For more information email dorchesterroundtable@hotmail.co.uk