EFFORTS to buy a new specialised wheelchair for a West Devon youngster received a big boost last week, following one of the biggest quiz nights ever to be staged in Tavistock.

Teenager Alex Phipps, 14, suffers from Emanuel Syndrome, a rare condition caused by a chromosome abnormality. It means he is physically and mentally disabled, has severe learning disabilities, is unable to talk and reliant on his parents' care.

Alex is in need of an all-terrain powered wheelchair, without which he will be unable to do the things he enjoys, such as going out onto the moorland just past his back garden in Whitchurch, and visiting outdoor music festivals.

Until now, Alex's parents Ian and Helen have been using a three-wheel buggy to get him out and about when his manual wheelchair is unsuitable, but he has now grown out of it. The new wheelchair will cost just over £14,000.

The Ordulph Arms and Terrace Restaurant in Tavistock hosted a multi-media interactive quiz of the year on December 27 to help raise money for Alex.

Organised by friends of the pub Hallam Riggs, Hannah Rowlands and Richard Wright, the quiz looked back over the events of 2011, attracting around 140 people.

Hallam said: 'It's been a lot of hard work, sorting out the screens, picking the questions, and organising other elements, but it has been worth it.

'The quiz has gone really well. It is a fantastic cause, and we are all happy to help Alex and his family as much as we can.'

At first estimate, Hallam, Hannah and Richard are hoping to have raised well over £1,000, — having raised £550 on an auction of prizes donated by local businesses.

Taking part in the quiz were Alex's parents Ian and Helen. Speaking at the quiz, Ian said: 'As he grows up, Alex is getting bigger. He loves to get out, but pushing him around is becoming more and more difficult, particularly outside.

'Alex loves music festivals and going up on the moor at Whitchurch Down, and we need this new all-terrain wheelchair to make this possible for him. It will improve his quality of life immensely.

'We need a lot of money for the wheelchair, but with the sort of support we have received from everyone tonight, I am sure we will get there soon.

'Alex enhances our lives every single day. This night, everyone involved will have enhanced Alex's life.'

Hallam, Hannah and Richard expressed thanks to Andy Coad and Jane Trevan of the Ordulph Arms for hosting the event, and all the local businesses who supported the event by donating prizes for the auction and raffle.

Anyone who would like to help the Phipps family can do so by emailing Ian and Helen at [email protected]">[email protected]