A DORSET campsite is providing free holidays for underprivileged families.

Eweleaze Campsite in Osmington has offered the use of 16 of their luxury bell tents to local families without the means to afford them, for a three or four night stay, even offering free ice cream and pizza.

The idea of the initiative came from local lady Kim Fudge who, whilst visiting Eweleaze imagined what it would be like to offer the same experience to families who had no means to afford it.

Ms Fudge approached Eweleaze owner Peter Broatch about starting up a project and he ‘offered more than [she] had ever imagined.’

She said: “Peter astounded me by his generosity, and thus Ewenited at Eweleaze was born.

“We have several fundraising initiatives including a fabulous Ewenited calendar being sponsored by Palmers Brewery.”

Families were identified by Home Start West Dorset, the NEST and Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Weymouth and Portland.

Claire Atkin, CAP Debt Centre Manager, said: “Some of our families don’t possess the basics for a summer holiday by the beach such as towels, swimwear or even clothing for four nights away.

“We were blown away when the Rotary club of Weymouth offered our families £20 of vouchers per person to buy these basics.”

David Langridge, president of Weymouth Rotary Club said: “I am pleased we have been able to support these families in need to get a welcome break.”

Proving to be a whole community effort, a range of local businesses have also chipped in to help those in need.

Refresh, (The Church of Weymouth and Portland in Action), is providing breakfast boxes for CAP families during this period.

Cherry Clarke from Refresh, said: “Eweleaze have been so generous, it has spurred church members on to give out of their own pockets to add to that generosity.”

Weyline taxi group are also in on the initiative, providing taxis to get families to and from the site.

Ian Ferguson, managing director at Weyline, said: "We were approached as to the possibility of some subsidised taxi journeys getting families to and from the site and we thought it appropriate and proportionate to offer them free of charge.”

Campers Corner at The Stable Door, Osmington have provided children’s ‘fun packs,’ full of frisbees to sticker books.

Evee Dukes, owner of The Stable Door said: “My family love camping and I have so many precious memories of running around fields in the sunshine and huddled around playing cards and games in the inevitable rain showers. By donating the fun packs, I am hoping to give other children the opportunity to make similar memories.”

Weymouth chippy Fish 'n' Fritz is also providing families with a free fish and chip supper during their stay.