Kind-hearted young farmers have raised a staggering £7,000 which will help in the fight against cancer.

Marshwood Vale Young Farmers Club (YFC) charity of the year is the Dorset County Hospital cancer appeal.

The charity is very close to many of the club members' hearts, and so they decided to raise a substantial amount of money to help with the new cancer unit.

The club's fundraising started off with bingo, which raised more than £500, followed by carol singing which raised £223.

In March an 'Auction of Promises' was held at Salway Ash Village Hall, raising £6849 for the appeal.

A spokesman for the club said: "We would like to thank everyone that donated pledges. We had more than 80 lots to sell. We thank everyone that came and supported the event - a big 'thank you' to our amazing auctioneer Jim Rowe, and many thanks to local businesses that donated food for the supper and gave donations. Everyone's support and generosity was very much appreciated.

"This was a fantastic evening enjoyed by all involved."

The club plans to organise further fundraisers during the year to raise funds for DCH.

Marshwood Vale YFC is an active club with more than 40 members, with new members always welcome.

The club meets on the first Tuesday of the month at Broadoak Village Hall at 7.45pm.

During the year, members take part in lots of competitions as well as public speaking, debating, rallying, stock judging and more.

The club will hold its annual ploughing match on Sunday, April 15 at Bilshay Farm, Symondsbury Estate.

Members will also participate in the County Calf Show, bowling, a rally, and boys surprise girls event this month.

If you are aged between 10 and 26 and interested in Young Farmers, contact the group or turn up at a meeting.

All that attend are made very welcome.

To join the group, you don't need to be a farmer.

For more information about the club, contact secretaries Becky Turner on 07501 321073 or Poppy Burrough on 07881 235825.

Alternatively, you can visit dorsetyfc.org.uk/91-2