A CHESTER bar and restaurant has smashed its fundraising goal for a local children's charity.

The Botanist in St Werburgh Street raised more than £1,500 for Chester-based cause Children Today.

The venue hosted a number of events, including an open mic night and pop-up cocktail stand in Debenhams, as well as inviting customers to donate an optional £1 on every bill throughout December 2019.

Children Today provides funds for specialised equipment for children and young people up to the age of 25 years old with disabilities, including adapted trikes, tough furniture and sensory equipment.

Doug McCormick, restaurant manager at The Botanist Chester, said: “I’m so proud of the whole team at The Botanist for their commitment to helping promote such a worthy charity.

“We had a target to raise £1,000, as that is the average amount for a piece of adapted equipment that Children Today funds, though we know that some of this specialist equipment can cost tens of thousands of pounds.

"We managed to raise £800 in just the first week and more than exceeded our target, so we’re absolutely thrilled.”

The aim of the charity is to enable children with disabilities to achieve their full potential, by enabling better access to education and work and helping to improve both physical and mental well-being, as a direct result of the provision of life-changing equipment.

Emma Prescott, head of communications at Children Today, added: “Doug and his team at The Botanist have been exceptional at flying the flag for Children Today and helping to spread the word about the vital work we do.

"They have raised a phenomenal amount in such a short time, which will help to change the life of at least one family.

“We’re a very small charity, but with a big impact and rely on the generosity, determination and passion of individuals and businesses to help us continue to support as many young people with disabilities as we possibly can.

"We are enormously grateful to Doug and The Botanist for their tremendous efforts and choosing to support us.”

For more information about Children Today, to make a donation or find out how you can set up your very own fundraiser for the charity, visit www.childrentoday.org.uk.