Funds raised at Dorchester Beerex 2023, organised by West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club, have been donated to local good causes.

The event, held at Dorchester Corn Exchange in February, raised a staggering £23,000, with this year's primary chosen charity being the Robert White Centre (RWC) in Bridport Road, Dorchester, part of Dorset County Hospital.

The centre specialises in patient radiotherapy and cancer care services.

The festival's main sponsor was the Cerne Abbas Brewery and the Beerex Committee felt it right to nominate RWC as the main beneficiary, as brewery co-owner Victor Irvine has recently received treatment at the centre.

A cheque for £8,680 was presented to RWC fundraising officer Victoria Hunt by Beerex chairman Chris Davies, followed by a tour of the facilities and a chat by operational manager John Payne.

Mr Davies said: "It was great to meet with John and to have the privilege of seeing the radiotherapy machine and treatment first hand.

"The team here do so much good and we were very pleased to be able to support such a worthwhile local cause. We look forward to hearing how the money was spent."

He went on to thank all of the Beerex Committee members for their dedicated work.

Mr Payne commented: "This is an amazing donation from such an important local event. We are so grateful to be able to receive this on behalf of our patients.

"We have many ideas on how the money could be used to benefit the people we treat here in Dorchester and thank everyone involved in their generosity."

Simon Pearson, head of charity at Dorset County Hospital, added: "We want to thank the Beerex Committee for selecting the RWC for their support, we know that organising these events takes a huge amount of work and we appreciate the efforts of everyone who contributed into making the event such a success.

The Dorchester Youth Club & Community Centre in Kings Road, Dorchester, received £3,400 from the raffle proceeds, whilst others to benefit were the Dorchester mayor's charity chosen charity, the Arts Centre and Ellipse.

Dorchester Beerex will return on February 2 and 3 2024.