A ROTARY club is hosting a silent auction to raise money for a number of good causes.

Along with various other not-for-profit organisations, the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis has struggled with fundraising throughout 2020 and into 2021.

None of the rotary club's major fundraising events have been able to take place as a result of the pandemic which has left the group short on funds normally distributed to deserving charities.

To help boost its fundraising efforts, the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis will be holding an online silent auction throughout March.

The rotary club is calling on the public to both participate in, and donate to the auction.

A spokesman for the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis said: "The Rotary Club of Lyme Regis is asking for your help.

"In a normal year, we would stage several major events to raise money for local and national charities. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, none of our major fundraising events in 2020 have taken place. This has left us with a shortfall of many thousands of pounds in funds raised, funds which are normally immediately passed on to deserving charities.

"After becoming aware of the problems experienced by very worthwhile causes this year, the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis has decided to organise an online auction as a fundraising event.

"We would be delighted if you would donate something to our auction, such as an item, a service or tickets to an event."

Despite the obvious limitations the rotary club kept as busy as possible throughout 2020. Supporting Dorset County Hospital and Julia's House Children's Hospice among others with donations and aiding local primary schools through its 'Dictionary's 4 Life' campaign.

The proceeds from the event will be used to support Lyme Regis Foodbank, Weldmar Hospicecare, Julia's House and national charity, the Alzheimer's Society.

The auction will run from Friday, March 12 and will run until Sunday, March 28 and currently has over 60 lots worth of items.

The link wil be published closer to the date at www.lymeregisrotary.org