MORE THAN £8,000 was raised as hundreds walked the red carpet for an exclusive film screening in Christchurch to support a Dorset charity.

The Dorset Premiere of the film Victoria and Abdul took place at the Regent Centre in Christchurch on Monday September 11.

The event was in aid of Dorset Blind Association and was sponsored by Blue Sky Financial Planning.

The screening welcomed a sell out audience of more than 300 people and raised £8,336.

The film, starring Dame Judi Dench, is directed by the charity's patron and BAFTA award winner, Stephen Frears.

Frears kindly supports the sight loss charity as his son and blind actor, Sam Frears, has benefited from the charity's services for many years attending their social clubs and activities.

On release of his last film in 2016, Florence Foster Jenkins, he gave Dorset Blind Association the opportunity to also host their first Dorset Premiere in Bournemouth at The ABC Odeon.

Helena Sinclair, events fundraiser from Dorset Blind Association said: "We are incredibly overwhelmed by the support we received at our Dorset Film Premiere of Victoria and Abdul.

"The funds raised for Dorset Blind Association are just phenomenal and will have such a huge impact to our services in the local community.

"The event would not be possible without the support of our patron, Stephen Frears, our Sponsor Blue Sky Financial Planning, and the fantastic team at the Regent Centre.

"Thank you to everyone for making the evening so successful."

Dorset Blind Association's next event takes place on Saturday October 28 at The Hilton Hotel.

Tickets are still available for the charity's their third Masquerade Ball at £55 per person, which includes a three course dinner, wine, live entertainment and casino.