KIND-HEARTED residents at a care home in Sturminster Newton have been doing their bit to support a charity that helps people in Dorset facing social isolation.

Colten Care’s Newstone House organised a charity day, raffle and pancake race to help the Friends of Stour Connect, a day centre in the town.

Residents at the home wanted to give something back to the community as users of the centre’s dementia cafe and hydrotherapy pool.

A cheque presentation for £220 was held at Stour Connect on a dedicated afternoon for Newstone House visitors.

Karlene Horswill, companionship team leader at the care home, said: “We wanted to raise so much more, but due to the constraints of Covid regulations last year we were restricted in what we could do.

“We are, however, proud of what we managed to raise and we aim for so much more over the coming months.”

Friends of Stour Connect is dedicated to improving facilities and access at the day centre in Stour View Close, Sturminster Newton.

The charity aims to target rural and social isolation affecting the elderly, the physically disabled and those with learning difficulties.

Cafe volunteer Katie Guy told the visitors: “It’s so wonderful what you have done. This money means so much to our cause and we appreciate every penny given to us.”

Newstone House residents have nominated Friends of Stour Connect as their main charity to support for the past two years. In that time, they have raised nearly £500 to help with its work.

Newstone House resident Don Skilling said: “This is such a worthy cause and it is lovely to have the opportunity to give something back to the community.”