CAR boot bargain hunters raised a bumper amount of money for good causes.

Last year, the Dorchester Market Car Boot Fund raised more than £24,000, which was handed out in grants to community organisations in the area.

Pre-school clubs, sports clubs, youth projects, projects for people with disabilities or long-term health related issues and projects tackling social isolation were among those who received funding.

Dorset Council collected the income from people who hired pitches at the weekly sales, held on Sundays in Fairfield Car Park.

Successful organisations were invited to a celebration tea at the Town Hall in Dorchester on May 11 to receive certificates handed out by Councillor Molly Rennie, chair of the Dorchester Markets Car Boot Fund and councillor Janet Hewitt, mayor of Dorchester.

Cllr Rennie said: “It’s always lovely having the celebration tea which is a great opportunity for successful applicants to meet the funding panel and those who help to manage the market and to hear what a difference this grant makes to their group.

“Many people don’t realise that the money collected from stall holders on a Sunday goes directly back to their local community, so by coming and selling your stuff at the car boot, you not only have the chance for a good clear out and to make some money yourself, but you will be helping support some wonderful projects in the town.”

Cllr Laura Beddow, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for culture, communities and customer services, said: “The Dorchester Car Boot Fund is an amazing fund that helps projects around Dorchester.

“The celebration tea is a wonderful time for those successful organisations to celebrate and be awarded their certificates.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved with the Dorchester Car Boot.”

Community organisations in the Dorchester area were invited to apply for the funds in October 2022, before a panel of town and county councillors awarded the grants.
Successful organisations included HomeStart West Dorset, Dorchester and District U3A, Dorchester Arts, Dorchester Disabled Club, Freewheelers Emergency Medical Couriers and Dorchester Youth and Community Centre.

The 2023 grant programme will be open for applications in October.