Chideock Cider Makers have donated over a thousand to Dorset County Hospital as a way of saying thank you for the ‘incredible’ care they have given a member’s son.

The group raised funds of £1,302 to support the charity after member, Sam Martin’s son Oli was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes aged just 2.

Mr Martin said: “Since our son Oli was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of just two, we as a family and Oli in particular have received incredible care, support and expertise from Dr Ward and his Paediatric Diabetes team.

“We will be forever grateful, and this is why we have chosen DCH Paediatric Diabetes because we want to give something back - We hope funds raised will help support other children under their care.”

The Chideock Cider Makers are made up of a small community of men from Chideock and close surrounding areas, they meet every Tuesday and fundraise for a different charity each year.

The team organised a range of fundraising events during August last year, including a bus tour of Dartmoor stopping off at a number of pubs along the route.

Colin Hopkins (known as Hoppy) from the group also sold produce from his garden to increase funds.

The Woodman pub in Bridport also helped raise the total by putting a collection bucket on the bar and encouraging customers to contribute.

A spokesperson for Dorset County Hospital Charity said: “On behalf of everyone working at the DCH Paediatric Diabetes unit in Dorchester, Dorset County Hospital Charity want to say a special thank you to everyone at the Chideock Cider Makers and also to Darren Moore from the Woodman pub for choosing to support children suffering from diabetes through their fundraising activities.”