A HOSPICE in Poole is the first recipient of a new charity initiative by Rick Stein's restaurant in Sandbanks.

The famous seafood restaurant raised over £1,000 for Forest Holme Hospice through a recent coffee morning.

Rick Stein in Sandbanks asked Facebook followers to nominate local causes for them to support by hosting community coffee mornings with complimentary coffee and cake. Each chosen charity can then either charge people to come along or ask for donations on the day.

Forest Holme, which provides end of life care and support to more than 1,000 people each year with advanced cancer and other life-limiting illnesses, were the first charity to be chosen and, according to fundraising manager Paul Tucker, it proved to be a "fantastic event".

He said: “We were thrilled that so many people nominated Forest Holme and the coffee morning was a huge success. The staff were wonderful and welcoming, helping to make it a very special occasion, especially for those supporters that had never been to the restaurant before.

"To have this opportunity really meant a lot, not only because it raised vital funds to ensure we are there for our patients and their loved ones at the most difficult time of their lives, but also because it brought our community of supporters together, many of whom have lost a loved one at Forest Holme.”