CHARITIES and community groups across Bridport have had a boost and received a share of £25,000.

The money was generated by car boots in Dorchester and West Bay and paid into the car boot fund, which is distributed between the two areas.

Community organisations in the areas are invited to apply for the funds and a panel of town and district councillors award the grants from the applications received.

Successful organisations were invited to a celebration tea at the Salt House in West Bay last month where they received certificates handed out by the chair of the panel, Councillor Keith Day.

Cllr Day, ward member for Bridport North, said: “The celebration tea is a great way to speak with local groups and understand all the ways they are making a difference in their communities.”

Those benefitting from the fund included:

Dementia Friendly Bridport - £1,000

Read Easy Bridport - £500

Pilsdon Community - £450

1st Charmouth Guides - £250

1st Charmouth Scout group - £210

Bridport and District Citizens Advice Bureau - £500

Bridport Area Development Trust - £750

Bridport Bowling Club - £250

Bridport Gateway Club/West Dorset Mencap - £450

Bridport Musical Theatre Company - £320

Bridport Young Performers - £385

Bridport Youth Dance - £500

Dorset Blind Association - £500

Dorset MIND - £500

Heritage Coast Canoe Club - £500

Home Start West Dorset - £500

Loders Youth Club - £500

Melplash Village Hall charity - £350

Skills Training Bridport - £1,000

The Burrough Harmony Centre - £700

The Living Tree - £1,000

West Bay WI - £500

The grant programme is now closed and plans for 2019 will be released in the New Year.