Stewarts Garden Centres has named a local hospice as its Charity of the Year.

Members from Forest Holme Hospice joined Paul Hilliam, the centre manager at Stewarts Christchurch centre, to announce the news.

The Christchurch and Broomhill Centres will fundraise with events and activities to support the dedicated hospice, which is based in Poole. Paul Hilliam said that the charity was chosen by staff from a selection of contenders suggested by customers.

“We are delighted to support the hard working and dedicated people who provide such great care and support for their patents and families,” said Paul. The first fundraising event is a = Dine and Demo evening next month.

Forest Holme provides end of life care and support to more than 1,000 people each year with advanced cancer and other life-limiting illnesses in Dorset. The hospice, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is part of Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and is supported by the charity, which needs to raise at least £850,000 each year to help enhance the NHS provision at the hospice and in the community.

Hannah O'Hare, fundraising manager at Forest Holme Hospice, said: “We are really excited about this new partnership and look forward to working together to raise vital funds to ensure that these essential services are there for future patients and their families during the most difficult time of their lives.”

Other fundraising events at the garden centres will include the popular pumpkin evenings and spooky walkway, Christmas preview evenings and various collections held during the year.