Trailer rides enjoyed by thousands of people raised more than £21,000 for a Dorset charity.

The rides run at this year’s Great Dorset Steam Fair (GDSF) over the August Bank Holiday weekend, raised a total of £21,357 for The Greatest Need Appeal at Dorset County Hospital, Dorchester.
The Greatest Need Appeal supports vital projects across all parts of the hospital, funding the areas where it is needed most: on the wards, in specialist clinical units and the continuing enhancement of the hospital environment and facilities for both staff and patients.

Martin Oliver, GDSF managing director, said: “The Great Dorset Steam Fair has always been committed to supporting our local communities and this year we are honoured to raise funds for The Greatest Need Appeal at Dorset County Hospital which serves our community so well.
“We hope very much that the money raised will help to support patients in need.”
A team of volunteers from the hospital and the steam family worked together at the event, with trailer rides running from 9am to 9pm.

The rides gave visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with all the steam engines in the heavy haulage arena, with more than 12,000 passengers enjoying the trip.
Martin added: “I would like to thank Richard Pocock and Louise Hall (GDSF Charity Trailer Rides Section Leaders), and everyone involved.”

Nick Johnson, CEO at Dorset County Hospital said: “Thank you for the incredible donation raised through the Charity Trailer Rides at this year’s Great Dorset Steam Fair.
“The Greatest Need Appeal will make a real difference to our patients and the staff who care for them. We are grateful to everyone who supported the hospital and enjoyed their time at the Steam Fair.”