Christchurch based Jimmy’s Iced Coffee has donated £21,300 to local surfing charity, The Wave Project, following a photo exhibition at the company’s headquarters.

The event was organised by Jim Cregan, the founder of the growing iced coffee brand, and displayed the work of talented Dorset based drone photographer, Arran Witheford.

Over 130 surfers and art enthusiasts attended the exhibition, with a silent auction pitting members of the public against each other for their favourite pieces of art from the collection on show.

The auction raised £1,380 for the charity and Mr Cregan added a donation of £20,000. He said: “I used to be a volunteer for The Wave Project guys and I fell in love with what they do so it was a great feeling to get involved.

“It’s a charity that’s super close to my heart as I know first-hand the amazing benefits of surfing, whether it’s just time spent on the water, or catching your first green wave.

“We believe young people need guidance and can transform their lives through surfing so we will be supporting throughout the year to continue their great work.”

The Wave Project, which began as a voluntary group in 2010, looks to transform the lives of vulnerable young people through surfing.

The money raised by Jimmy’s is being used to help fund the Boscombe Wave Project Centre, providing funds for surf kit, boards and the day-to-day running of the outreach programme.

Curt Marlow, project coordinator at The Wave Project, said: “Every penny that the Jimmy’s Iced Coffee Auction raised will go towards surfing therapy sessions for young people deemed to be at risk from lifelong mental health issues.

“The Wave Project only receives 8 per cent of its funding from statutory bodies so we rely heavily on donations to help even more vulnerable children and young people.”