Poole’s Lighthouse theatre is calling on Dorset businesses to back its Christmas fundraising challenge.

The venue is one of 123 arts charities nationally taking part in The Big |Give Christmas Challenge 2010.

The first step is to build a “matching fund” of £5,000 to be used to double donations made during December’s public appeal.

Money raised will help deaf, hard of hearing, partially sighted and blind people to enjoy the arts in Poole by providing audio described and captioned performances.

The Lighthouse needs to raise £20,000 to help fund such regular assisted performances over the next two years.

To make a pledge fill out a form by November 5 at theBigGive.org.uk/pledge/lighthousepoole .

To get involved with Big Arts Give Christmas Challenge contact saras@lighthousepoole.co.uk.