THE DAILY Echo has joined forces with local charity The Crumbs Project to offer free cupcakes at this weekend's Christchurch Food Festival.

A free cake will be handed out with every newspaper purchased at the festival.

The partnership began last year when the Bournemouth Echo Roadshow team invited Crumbs to join them at their stand at Dorset's most popular events to raise awareness of the charity.

Crumbs attended various events, including Christchurch Food Festival and Poole Boat Show alongside the Bournemouth Echo offering free cupcakes to customers purchasing the daily paper.

More than 3,500 cakes were enjoyed by Daily Echo customers last year and the team will be hoping to continue the success at 2019's seasonal events.

Based in Bournemouth, The Crumbs Project supports adults with learning disabilities, mental health issues and stabilised addictions by providing training for employment. Crumbs offers a place for vulnerable people to learn practical skills in catering, administration and housekeeping within a supported learning environment.

Once trainees come to the end of their training, the Crumbs team supports them into either paid or voluntary work placements, helping them to live a life of independence.

For further information about The Crumbs Project go to crumbs.org.uk or call 01202 519320.