MONEY raised at an open gardens event will give a Dorset charity a boost.

The Upwey Society's open gardens event, which was held in June, raised £500 for STARS, a charity that operates across Dorset, with offices in Poundbury.

STARS stands for “Sexual Trauma and Recovery Service” and the charity offers one to one support, free of charge, for anyone of any age or gender who lives, works or studies in Dorset and has experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their life.

Upwey Open Gardens saw between 20 and 30 gardens open to the public.

The 2024 event was hailed a great success, with visitors from near and far enjoying gardens, teas, ice-creams and Pimms.

Recently the Upwey Society’s President, Eve Price, and Chair, Tony King, visited the charity’s offices to hear Helen Stevens, their chief executive officer, talk about their work, and to arrange for the donation of £500 to be paid.

Helen said: “We are so grateful to The Upwey Society for choosing to support our work which is much needed throughout Dorset.

"Their donation will ensure we can purchase resources for our children and young people’s service which will be used in the sessions we provide to help them on their journey of recovery. Thank you to all involved in making this donation.”

Anyone who wishes to knit or crochet teddies for STARS can find details at https://www.starsdorset.org/trauma-teddies.