EMPLOYEES from Dorset Council rallied together during the second lockdown to raise more than £5,000 for charity.

Colleagues from across the council organised a series of virtual events, such as a raffle, quizzes, a dress-up day and a silent auction to raise money for BBC’s Children In Need and the Friends of Dorset Care Leavers.

Some colleagues also took on personal challenges, including a sponsored silence, going sugar-free and running.

Local businesses were amongst the people that donated prizes to the fundraisers, as well as council employees and their families.

Early Years Lead for Dorset Council, Liz Curtis-Jones, who co-ordinated the fundraising, said: "We raise money every year and didn’t want COVID-19 to get in the way of this in 2020. I wondered how well we would do virtually, but I’m absolutely blown away by the response – we’ve actually more than doubled the amount we’ve raised previously.

"I’m so proud of my colleagues for getting involved and donating, but I’m particularly grateful to the local businesses who kindly donated prizes, especially in these difficult times. It shows how much kindness and generosity there is across Dorset. The money raised will make such a difference to children and young people’s lives, so a big thank you to everyone."