ACTOR Martin Clunes presented a cheque of more than £1,000 to a children's hospice charity in Bridport.

Mr Clunes, star of Doc Martin and Men Behaving Badly, paid a visit to Bridport Building Supplies on Monday.

The money was raised from a Christmas lights display in Bradpole in December, which saw the TV star officially open the festive display in White Close for the third year running.

Monica and Rob Teague put on a display every year for 11 years at their house on White Close to raise money for Julia's House Children's Hospice

Monica and Rob Teague joined Martin Clunes at Bridport Building Supplies to formally hand over the donation of the money to Amanda Gillett, community fundraiser for Julia's House.

Amanda Gillett said the money will help "huge amounts".

She said: "In the current climate, fundraising is getting a lot more difficult. In a cost of living crisis, the first thing people cancel is direct debits to charities so we have seen a drop off in those donations but the cost of our care is more expensive."

Martin Clunes, who lives near Beaminster, said: "It is lovely, I have been a patron for Julia's House for many years, it is my duty as a patron.

"I know how well they will spend this money.

"It is amazing what Monica and Rob do, they raise so much money for lots of different charities."

Monica Teague said: "We raised more money than last year by £2.

"From December 1, when Martin Clunes kindly switched on the lights and crowds came to see him, the lights display was enjoyed by a continuous stream of people.

"So much so that we raised a fantastic amount of £1102 for the Julia's House Children's Hospice.

"This was helped by donations to see Santa at his grotto at the opening weekend.

"Thanks must go to everyone who supported us and especially Bridport Building Suppliers for their wonderful donation to cover the energy costs as well as all of our volunteers and traffic marshals who came to help."