THE charitable work of Dorchester’s Rotary Club was celebrated at a concert at the Thomas Hardye School.

A cheque for £1,700 was presented to the national charity Help for Heroes at the concert last week, which was also organised to raise cash for Rotary charities.

Dorchester Rotarian Andrew Jones threw himself out of an aeroplane at 13,000ft in a bid to raise the £1,700 presented to the forces charity.

The sponsorship money he received for the parachute jump also enabled him to make a smaller donation to the Royal Naval Association, whose representatives were guests at the event.

The HMS Heron Volunteer Band performed on stage at the concert held in Thomas Hardye School’s theatre where they played music from shows including Abba and Les Miserables.

President of the Rotary Club of Dorchester Andrew Davies introduced the band on stage and welcomed the guests, including the Mayor of Dorchester Les Phillips and his wife Vonty.

The chair of the board of governors of the school Jean Lang was also present.

Those who attended were able to enjoy the show while indulging in chocolate ice cream, celebrating the charitable work of the club while raising cash for Rotary charities themselves.

Lightning and a thunderstorm meant the theatre was left in darkness for a short period in the first half until the school’s caretaker helped restore the lights.

Peter Noble, of the Dorchester Rotary Club, said: “We were most grateful to Thomas Hardye School for letting us use the facility, particularly to Richard Cain for his support on behalf of the school.

“It is expected that well over £1,000 will be raised.”