Last year, the Dorchester Market Car Boot Fund awarded more than £24,000 worth of grants to community organisations in the Dorchester area.

Pre-school clubs, sports clubs, youth projects, projects for people with disabilities or long-term health related issues and projects tackling social isolation were among those that benefitted from the funding.

Dorset Council collected the income from people who hired pitches at the weekly car boot sales, held on Sunday mornings in Fairfield Car Park in Dorchester. All the income collected is paid into the Dorchester Market Car Boot Fund, which helps local community organisations.

Successful organisations were invited to a celebration tea at the Town Hall in Dorchester on Thursday, May 11 to receive certificates handed out by Cllr Molly Rennie, chair of the Dorchester Markets Car Boot Fund, and Cllr Janet Hewitt, the Mayor of Dorchester.

Cllr Rennie said: "It's always lovely having the celebration tea which is a great opportunity for successful applicants to meet the funding panel and those who help to manage the market and to hear what a difference this grant makes to their group.

"Many people don't realise that the money collected from stall holders on a Sunday goes directly back to their local community, so by coming and selling your stuff at the car boot, you not only have the chance for a good clear out and to make some money yourself, but you will be helping support some wonderful projects in the town."

Cllr Laura Beddow, Dorset Council portfolio holder for Culture, Communities and Customer Services at Dorset Council, added: "The Dorchester Car Boot Fund is an amazing fund that helps projects around Dorchester.

"The celebration tea is a wonderful time for those successful organisations to celebrate and be awarded their certificates. I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved with the Dorchester Car Boot."

Community organisations in the Dorchester area were invited to apply for the funds in October 2022. A panel of town and Dorset Council councillors awarded the grants from the many applications received.

Successful organisations included HomeStart West Dorset, Dorchester and District U3A, Dorchester Arts, Dorchester Disabled Club, Freewheelers Emergency Medical Couriers and Dorchester Youth and Community Centre

Other organisations who also benefitted from the funding include: Central Dorchester Scout Group, Crossways and Moreton Scout Group, Dorchester Almshouses Social Group, Dorchester Child Contact Centre, Dorchester Community Plays Association, Dorchester Family Support, Dorchester Opportunity Group. Dorchester Poverty Action, Dorset Blind Association, Dorset Youth Dance, Lions Club of Dorchester and District, Manor Park CE First School PTA, Mid Dorset Mencap Group, Relate Dorset and South Wiltshire, Ridgeway Community Radio (T/A Keep 106) and The Grove Preschool.

The 2023 grant programme will be open for applications in October 2023.