Musical performances in a town centre over the summer have helped raise more than £500 for a local cause.

The Dorchester Business Improvement District (BID) has been arranging live music acts from local artists who perform along South Street in the county town on bustling summer Saturdays.

Performances, which are fully funded by the businesses of Dorchester via the BID, are given support by members of the public, who donate money to show their appreciation of the music.

Every year, a local cause is selected and donated funds are given to them.

This summer, Dorchester mayor Robin Potter’s chosen charity, Dorchester Family Support was supported by the performances.

Cllr Potter was delighted to be able to present a cheque for £550 to a trustee of the charity, Kath Joslin.

Project director of the Dorchester BID, Phil Gordon, said: “Every year I am totally overwhelmed by the general public’s generosity as they enjoy the music which covers quite a wide range of styles and genres that we organise and this has to be mainly due to the amazing talent we are showcasing in town, a big thank you to all our artists this year.”

Karen Weir, who sits on the board of trustees for the chosen charity, said “On behalf of the trustees of Dorchester Family Support, please pass on our very grateful thanks to all concerned for the very generous donation of £550. 

“We really do appreciate the support of our community - this donation will allow us to purchase 25 Christmas hampers for the families that we support.”

Cllr Potter said: “My most grateful thanks go to Dorchester BID and to all their musicians who performed so brilliantly in South Street over the summer.

“As well as providing great entertainment, the BID-supported musicians  collected £550 which they have very kindly donated to my mayor's charity, Dorchester Family Support, who help provide meals during the school holidays to those children in the town who are normally entitled to free school lunches. The organisers and volunteers at Dorchester Family Support deserve great praise for their time and efforts.”