The Foundation received a £10,000 donation from proceeds of the sale of ‘Deepest Dorset’, a book commissioned by Lord Rothermere and written by local authors Fanny Charles and Gay Pirrie-Weir. Jon Yates, Chief Executive of the Foundation, accepted the cheque at an event hosted by Lord and Lady Rothermere at their home last week: ‘We are honoured to receive proceeds from this wonderful book, which shows so beautifully what a fabulous county this is and how wealthy it is in culture, heritage and generosity.’

Jon elaborated further: ‘We must not forget that although many local residents feel so lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world others are struggling to reach their potential, are combatting fuel poverty and social isolation or are reliant on the work of our voluntary and community groups to help them in hard times. This is where the Community Foundation steps in – to inspire people and companies to give and targetting their donations to where they are needed most across Dorset.’

Over the last 16 years Dorset Community Foundation has distributed more than £10 million in support to local residents helping the smaller, often volunteer-led charities and community groups that carry out valuable work at grassroots level. The Foundation’s Surviving Winter Appeal runs every year to help hundreds of local older people struggling with fuel poverty and social isolation.

Weldmar Hospice and Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance are the other two charities benefitting from the proceeds of the sale of ‘Deepest Dorset’. More sales will generate more support for the charities so please find out more about the book at www.deepestbooks.co.uk.