The virtual events included a raffle, quizzes, dress-up day and a silent auction. The money raised was donated to the BBC’s Children In Need and local charity the Friends of Dorset Care Leavers. Some employees also took on personal challenges such as a sponsored silence, going sugar-free and running.

Local businesses, and some from Devon and Cornwall, kindly donated prizes, as did council employees and their families.

Liz Curtis-Jones, Early Years lead for Dorset Council, co-ordinated the fundraising. She said, “We raise money every year and didn’t want COVID-19 to get in the way of this in 2020. I wondered how well we would do virtually, but I’m absolutely blown away by the response – we’ve actually more than doubled the amount we’ve raised previously. I’m so proud of my colleagues for getting involved and donating, but I’m particularly grateful to the local businesses who kindly donated prizes, especially in these difficult times. It shows how much kindness and generosity there is across Dorset. The money raised will make such a difference to children and young people’s lives, so a big thank you to everyone.”

Local businesses that donated included:

Keyneston Mill

Belle Modelle, Dorchester

Finca Coffee, Dorchester

Posh Pupz, Dorchester

Waitrose, Dorchester

Dorset Nectar Cider, Bridport

The Parlour, Burton Bradstock

Feed the Soul Café, Dorchester

Swanage Steam Railway

Hall & Woodhouse, Dorchester

Book & Bucket Cheese Company, Wimborne

Crafting for a Cause, Poundbury

Calm Necessities, Wareham

The Pet Experience, Weymouth

Conker Gin, Bournemouth

Baboo Gelato, Bridport

Fordington Gin, Dorchester

Sculptures by the Lakes, Dorchester

Ringwood Brewery

Loco Loves, Dorchester

Abbotsbury Swannery

Bovington Tank Museum

Shire Hall Museum, Dorchester

Wey Valley Health and Fitness

Beth Wood Artist, Blandford

Camp Bestival

John Davey, Artist

End of the Road Festival