FORMER MP and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Ann Widdecombe praised the success of the Plough arts centre at a recent sell-out fundraising event.

Invited guests attended a champagne reception in the gallery where West Devon and Torridge MP Geoffrey Cox encouraged them to embrace the culture of philanthropic giving which is being championed by the Coalition Government.

After an entertaining evening of talk and questions with Ann Widdecombe, the audience dug deep to support a raffle, an auction and an invitation to pledge to the PloughPlus Development Fund, which will allow future expansion and development of the arts programme and the building in Great Torrington.

More than £13,500 was raised through donations and pledges. Auction lots included a bottle of whisky signed by the Prime Minister which sold for £100 and a unique Dartington Crystal Bowl which raised £550.

Plough director Richard Wolfenden-Brown said: 'As a fundraising event for the Plough it took on historic proportions and exceeded our expectations.

'We are grateful to Geoffrey, Ann and all who donated auction lots, raffle prizes and contributed so generously to the PloughPlus Development Fund.

'With no district council or arts council funding to rely on we are dependent on fundraising events to maintain our diverse and dynamic arts programme.

'Geoffrey Cox has promised to help with future fundraising events and we have accepted his kind offer.'