Community and volunteer organisations can now apply for thousands in funds gathered from car boot sales in Dorchester.

The income from weekly car boot sales held in Dorchester will be distributed to the local community and voluntary organisations in and around the town for projects that support residents living in the area.

Last year, over £14,000 was awarded to local community and voluntary organisations in Dorchester.

Grants awarded will be between £100 and £1,500.

Pre-school clubs, sports clubs, youth projects, projects for people with disabilities or long-term health-related issues and projects tackling social isolation were among those that benefitted from the funding last year.

Councillor Molly Rennie, Chair of the Dorchester Market Car Boot Grant Panel, said: “It was wonderful to award over £14,000 to these local organisations. We recognise the hard work that they do to make lives better for others. Thank you to those who hire pitches at the car boot sale in Dorchester.”

The car boot fund will open on Monday, September 9 and will close at midnight on Sunday, October 27. Decisions will be made in November and groups will be notified before the Christmas break. Successful applicants will be invited to a celebration event next year to share news about their projects.

An application form and additional guidance can be found on the Dorset Council website at Dorchester Market Car Boot Fund 2024.

If you require a hard copy of the application form this can be collected from Dorchester Town Council, 19, North Square, Dorchester DT1 1JF.

For further information and guidance please contact Millie Titman or Fiona Thomas in the Communities and Partnerships Team on 01305 221669 or email communities@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.