OKEHAMPTON Town Council has allocated £1,000 of grant aid to two local organisations to help benefit the community.

The council has decided to donate £500 to the Okehampton Excelsior Silver Band, and £500 to Relate Exeter and District.

The Excelsior Silver Band host a series of concerts throughout the year, and also perform at town events. They support the development of youngsters in the town, taking children to music competitions to perform and improve their technique.

Cllr Mike Davies supported giving the band the full grant: 'I am sure we are all in favour of giving the money to the band as they do great work throughout the year.'

Relate Exeter and District offer counselling for those with relationship problems, be they marital, familial or otherwise. The grant for Relate Exeter and District will go directly to helping Okehampton families and people.

Mayor Maureen McDonald said: 'It is quite clear the money is for residents of the town, and it is a very worthwhile charity that helps people a lot.'

At the start of the financial year, the council allocated £10,000 to be distributed to local organisations and charities throughout the year, regularly reviewing grant applications. There is now £2,333 left in the pot following the latest round of donations.