Wimborne Community Food Supply, which is based at the Allendale Centre, was amongst 24 recipients in the latest round of donations from the Hall & Woodhouse Community Chest.

The others in the east of Dorset were Win on Waste and In Jolly Good Company (Wimborne), Christchurch and District Concert Band, Dorset Nightstop (Ferndown), Fernheath Play (Bournemouth), MYTIME Young Carers (Poole), Poole Sea Cadets and Water Lily Project (Christchurch).

Lucinda Gray, company relationship manager of Hall & Woodhouse, said: “The charity sector is one of the hardest hit by the pandemic. We have heard first-hand from the causes we celebrated during our Community Chest Awards evening, just how severely impacted fundraising has been due to the various lockdowns.

“The need has never been greater to support our local communities and we are thrilled that the Community Chest initiative continues to make such a significant difference, almost 20 years on since its inception.”

Applications will be open for the 2022 Community Chest awards in February, where voluntary groups can request funding ranging from £400 to £4,000, to help them achieve their aims. Grants could be awarded for new equipment, training, transport or running costs, and can be made towards youth services, the elderly, or any other projects that enhance the local community.