A CHRISTMAS party raised £3,500 for a Dorset hospice charity.

The Forest Holme Hospice Charity raised the cash, which will fund the hospice’s work, at the Winter Wonderland Christmas party on Friday, December 8 at the Hamworthy Club in Canford Magna.

The hospice, in Poole, cares for people with life-limiting illness across Poole, Wimborne and the Isle of Purbeck.

The charity is tasked with raising £1 million each year to support the work carried out by the Forest Holme Hospice team, either at home or in the dedicated hospice facility.

Fundraiser, Claire Cooper, said: “This year has not been an easy one with the cost of living remaining at a high. We are thrilled to have the backing for our events of so many kind people who hold the hospice’s work in high regard and want to help us to continue our care.

“Thank you for your support to help us raise this wonderful amount for the hospice.”

Guests gathered to enjoy a Christmas meal before dancing the night away against a backdrop of snowflakes and Christmas lights.

Raffle prizes included a wheelbarrow of wine, prizes and vouchers kindly donated from local businesses.

Demonstrating his nifty moves in the kitchen, Forest Holme Strictly Come Dancing champion Jason Edwards baked a Christmas fruit cake for a Guess the Weight competition.

Claire said: “Our thanks to Scott and the team at Hamworthy Club, Ashley and Sue for providing the tunes, Mike Barton for his photography, and Megan Turner at Heart & Soul Studio for the most sparkly banging crackers.

“Further thanks to our volunteers Tiff Watson for spending hours folding the napkins into Christmas Trees and Jason Edwards for providing the cake and the beautiful white trees for our décor – it really made the room.”

Megan Turner, at Heart & Soul Studio, said: “We are so pleased we can help local charities like Forest Holme Hospice Charity by donating Christmas Crackers for parties. Such a fantastic cause.”