A CHARITY which was set up in the memory of 4-year-old boy who died in Burnham-on-Sea has offered a record number of respite holidays to families.

Dylan Cecil died on August 19, 2012 after he fell off Burnham jetty while out on a trip with his family. His body was recovered four days later at Burnham-on-Sea Yacht Club.

Two years after Dylan's death, a charity, named The Dylan Cecil Memorial Fund, was set up in his memory by members of his family and representatives from Burnham-on-Sea Coastguard, BARB Search & Rescue and Avon and Somerset Police.

The charity aims to provide three respite holidays a year for families that had experienced, or are experiencing, bereavement, financial hardship, life-limiting conditions or severe or terminal physical or mental illness.

But this year, the charity says it has given a record of six holidays out to families in need which they say is 'poignant' as this year marks the sixth anniversary of his death.

A spokesman for the charity said it is are 'delighted' to be helping the families.

“The charity relies entirely on donations, so firstly we would like thank everyone who has donated money or raised money through an activity or event. Without these donations it would not be possible to do what we do," the spokesman said.

"This year, due to funds available we are absolutely delighted to be helping six extremely deserving families, all with very heartfelt stories.

"Not only do we pay for the accommodation, each family also has their travelling expenses covered and are provided with a week’s worth of essential groceries.

"We have also been fortunate enough to secure availability in the new fully accessible holiday homes at Holiday Resort Unity for three of the families and without the facilities these units offer – ramps, wet rooms, hoists – we would not have been able to accommodate these very deserving families.

"We would like to thank them for their assistance in the booking process, and providing the families with complimentary passes to Brean Play and Brean Splash.

"Feedback from the families who have holidayed so far have been overwhelming, allowing these families to feel “normal” and “make memories."