A CHRISTCHURCH theatre group has donated hundreds of pounds to worthy causes.

Highcliffe Charity Players has given £3,000 to causes and people including £1,000 to Macmillan Caring Locally, £500 to Kezia Needham who is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for Meningitis Research Foundation and £500 to Elle Paskins.

There was also £500 to support Matthew Smith's London Marathon bid for Make-a-Wish and £500 to John Gayler for his forthcoming Jurassic Coast hike for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The cheques were presented by chairman Georgina Smith at St Mark’s Hall, Highcliffe, during a break in rehearsals for the company’s pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Georgina said: “This is the best night of our year – the night that makes all our hard work worthwhile.

"Charity players are so lucky that we get to do a hobby we love whilst raising money for worthwhile charities. "And as there are several people connected with our society who have charities or challenges they are facing close to their hearts this year, it seemed fitting to support them all.”

Dr Michael Penn, a trustee of Macmillan Caring Locally said: "I am delighted to accept this donation for Macmillan Caring Locally.

"We are a small, independent local charity which built and helps the NHS support the Macmillan Unit, a specialist palliative care ward at Christchurch Hospital.

"Other areas we support include a local day centre and 12 specialist palliative care sisters who look after up to 350 patients living at home in our local community.”

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs runs at the Regent Centre from January 21 to 28.