THE local branch of a charity is appealing for those who were helped by its work to share stories for a celebration later this year.

Children's charity Barnardos is celebrating 150 years with Bridport volunteers urging local people who have been "saved" by the charity to come come forward.

Jean Humphries, committee member of Bridport Barnardos, said: "It is 150 years since Doctor Barnardo started his organisation, and in that time it has helped countless numbers of young people.

"If anything it is more relevant today than it has ever been, offering a helping hand to a vulnerable sector of society.

"At present, our welfare system stops financially supporting most young people in care once they reach the age of 16. Barnardos has specialist carers and facilities to help these young people cope with the transition of moving from care into independent living.

"We are hearing all too frequently about cases of grooming, and Barnardos is particularly active in helping young people who are at risk, or indeed who have already fallen victim to this appalling practice. Barnardos relies on local committees all around the country to raise funds to enable it to provide its much needed services."

Barnardos relies on local committees across the UK to raise funds to enable it to provide its services. The Bridport committee has been in operation for many years, with several members having given more than 30 years of service, and three members having dedicated more than 50 years to helping the charity.

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the charity, the Bridport committee is organising a cheese and wine evening in October at Bridport Town Hall.

Ms Humphries added: "There will be depictions of real life experiences of people who were helped, or more accurately, saved, by Barnardos, and there will be short presentations from some key people.

"The committee would like to invite local people who have been helped by Barnardos, or indeed were Barnardos children, to attend this celebratory event."

As part of the 150 years anniversary, the organisation’s patron, The Queen, allowed Barnardos president the Duchess of Cornwall, to host a garden party at Buckingham Palace last month.

Ms Humphries, attended the garden party along with fellow Bridport committee members Mavis Gurd and Joyce Darby.

The Bridport celebration will take place on Thursday, October 27. Any 'Barnardos children' wishing to share their story should call Jean Humphries on 01297 489612.