A play about the traumatic lives of women on the home front during the Second World War raised money for the local Women’s Refuge charity.

Following the New Hardy Players' performance of Stronghold of Happiness a cheque presentation for £600 was made to the West Dorset Women’s Refuge Welfare Committee.

The play took place on Friday, November 3 at the Corn Exchange in Dorchester and was written by Devina Symes after her novel of the same name.

Sponsored by Mark Cummins of Purple Business and Personal Accountants of Poundbury, the play was introduced by Dorchester’s mayor, Alistair Chisholm, and was performed in front of a full house.

Speaking about the play, Devina said: “I wanted to turn the tables on the usual narrative about war and look at the unspeakable traumas experienced by women on the home front.

“As the story includes the need for a women’s refuge, I could think of no better charity to give the profits to than the West Dorset Women’s Refuge Welfare Committee.”

Molly Rennie, who is part of the charity, said: “For those of us working within the Welfare Committee this has been a huge opportunity to raise awareness of Domestic Abuse locally.

"The need is as relevant now as it was in the time portrayed in the play. Many families live in fear- please call Paragon anytime 0800 032 5204 for help or advice regarding Domestic Abuse.

“The money raised at the event will help families locally with the everyday things many take for granted, especially at Christmas and into the year ahead. A huge thank you to Devina and the New Hardy Players.”