Belles and Broomsticks has been raising money in memory of Ben Davies. (0647559)

MORRIS dancers Belles and Broomsticks performed at the Mermaid Tavern to raise money for the Caritas Community Charitable Trust.

They have visited several times over the past few seasons and have always been very popular with staff and guests.

A collection in the courtyard alone raised £76.08 in memory of Ben Davies, who died in a road accident in August.

‘We were all very shocked to hear of Ben’s death,’ explained dancer Lucy Skelton. ‘His mother, Carol Healy, is an ex-dancer with the Belles and has always been a central figure in the team. Most of us knew Ben as well.

‘Carol lives in England but has been back here since the accident, focusing on the Caritas charity in memory of her son.

‘This was suggested by the Rev. Richard Bellinger as a way of helping her to come to terms with her loss and we have joined in, collecting whenever we dance out. The sum collected at the Mermaid is only the beginning.’

Caritas aims to create a community in which young people in difficulty can get the help they need to turn their life around.

The troupe will continue collecting for the charity and will be passing the bucket round on Saturday in various locations in Guernsey, when they have visiting team the Dorset Buttons as their guests.