HE SET himself a target of £1,000 but Robert James' charity auction at Bratton Clovelly last Wednesday, in aid of the Downs Syndrome Association, more than doubled that figure!

The fundraiser, who is running the London Marathon next month for his Downs Syndrome daughter Sarah, 13, is overwhelmed by the support and generosity of the community.

'For a little village like Bratton to raise £2,500 is fantastic,' he said. 'When you think what this community has been through over the last 12 months with foot and mouth it is even more incredible.'

Sixty lots went under the hammer at the Clovelly Inn, including two donations from Formula One motor racing champion Damon Hill, whose son has Downs Syndrome.

Pledges of money on the night raised a further £500.

Managing director of West Devon Meat in Hatherleigh Peter Bowyer was the auctioneer and entertainment following the auction was provided by local band Contrast.

Robert has expressed thanks to everybody who attended and supported the event and landlord and landlady of the Clovelly Inn Torben and Suzy Hughes, who provided the venue and refreshments.

Although the London Marathon is fast approaching, for Robert, who will be running for the first time, raising the funds has been the main challenge for him.

'I wanted to raise £1,000 so I am absolutely overjoyed with the total — the training is going well for the marathon so I am pretty confident,' he said.

Robert will be part of a team of almost 60 runners taking part in the marathon for the Downs Syndrome Association.

Kelly Westlake from the charity said Robert was one of those with the 'greatest commitment' because he had a child with the condition.

'The London Marathon is one of our biggest fundraisers and we have never been disappointed yet,' she said. 'We rely on people like Robert and he has already raised a fantastic amount.'