Ring the bells: The Alton Morris Dancers have been given a ringing endorsement by a Hampshire charity that supports vulnerable and struggling families.

The group thrilled a Spring Fayre crowd with another exuberant display of Border Morris dancing before handing over a £206 cheque to Home-Start Hampshire.

The charity provided support to 650 from 381 vulnerable and struggling families across eight local authority areas in Hampshire during 2024/25.

Families have made remarkable progress through their charity’s home visits and group work, with reduced feelings of isolation and loneliness and improved wellbeing, confidence and finances.

A team of 113 volunteers and a dedicated staff team makes the magic happen, but there’s a need for more home visiting volunteers in the Alton Weywater area.

“We’re so grateful to Alton Morris for their donation,” said Home-Start volunteer Jackie Slack.

“We would ask anyone to please get in touch if they are interested in volunteering for Home-Start as a Family Support Volunteer, spending time with families with young children in their homes for just a couple of hours a week or in a small group setting.

“We need more people to help us help families. The money donated will help train any new volunteers.”

Anyone interested in volunteering should email Home-Start at [email protected] for more information while there’s more about Alton Morris at www.altonmorris.co.uk or their Facebook page.