Award-winning amateur theatre group Highcliffe Charity Players has donated more than £1,000 to support four worthy causes during the coronavirus outbreak.

The performing group donated £500 to local theatrical costumiers Carry On Costumes, whoi have been making scrubs and personal protective equipment (PPE) for NHS staff and key workers, and another £500 to Christchurch Food Bank.

Highcliffe Charity Players also gave £100 to Wings2fly towards the purchase of two custom-made specialist paediatric care ambulances, and £50 to Lurcher SOS Sighthound Rescue, a charity supported by actor Guy Henry.

HCP Chairman Georgina Smith said: “In this current climate amongst so much uncertainty, it has been heart-warming for Charity Players to be able to donate money to those close to us and to help local causes through money raised by local people.”

More used to producing costumes for West End shows, Christchurch based Carry On Costumes has been creating uniforms for medical and care staff for free since the start of the pandemic.

Owner Sue Simmerling said: “We started volunteering at the end of March and have been busy helping hospitals and schools across the country ever since.

“We are delighted that we have been able to put our skills to good use and are very grateful for everyone’s generosity in helping with these projects.”

Christchurch Food Bank provides food and support for the local community.

“There is a huge need for our service in these challenging times,” said Manager Tracy Blick.

She added: “It is a real privilege to assist people on their journey out of crisis, through the help of dedicated volunteers and the wonderful generosity of donors.”

Charity Players member Lucy Lamb promised to sacrifice her lovely locks as soon as she raised £1,000 for Wings2fly, a unique Bournemouth based ambulance service designed to make the last wishes of terminally ill patients become a reality.

Lucy said: “Wings2fly is an amazing charity and it has been a small sacrifice shaving off my hair for such a worthwhile cause, even if my son has hated how I look and now insists on my wearing a wig until it grows again.”

HCP President ‘Holby City’ actor Guy Henry asked his fans, if they were able, to make a small donation towards the large vet bill incurred by Lurcher SOS Sighthound Rescue.

Guy said: “I have four lurchers, Pete from the Dogs Trust, George from Battersea, and Lulu and Walter from the rescue charity Lurcher SOS, of which I’m Patron.

“I’ve been trying to get some money together for the Charity in such difficult times and am truly grateful for the donations people have been so kindly contributing.”

Guy has also been delivering meals from his local café to NHS workers at St George’s Hospital, as part of a local fundraising effort.

“It’s only a tiddy bit of help I’ve been giving, but I’m glad to do it and the real medics are amused to say hello to Mr Hanssen off the telly!”, he added.

Since it was formed nearly 50 years ago, Charity Players has raised over £150,000 for local and national worthy causes.