A CHARITY supporting some of West Devon's most vulnerable people is the latest to benefit from Waitrose's Community Matters scheme.

Encompass Southwest is an independent charity that provides a range of services to people across West Devon, Torridge and North Devon who are experiencing crisis and hardship.

On January 29, the charity received a cheque for £921 from the Okehampton branch of Waitrose, raised through the store's Community Matters scheme — using tokens at the till, customers decide how to distribute a £1,000 monthly total between three local charities and organisations.

The charity's work includes the prevention of homelessness and rough sleeping through providing accommodation, food parcels, clothing and bedding for those sleeping on the streets.

It also works with agencies like the CAB to provide support where it is needed.

Alan Marshall, West Devon rough sleeper outreach worker for the charity, said he was delighted to receive such a donation from the store.

'This cheque today is fantastic. It means we can continue to provide support where it is needed, in some cases financial, and it helps to keep my services going with the charity.

'We are very grateful to Waitrose for giving us this money.'