THE collapse of the Tavistock Town Hall ceiling at the end of last year had an unexpected consequence when Devon Scouts presented Devon Crimebeat with a cheque for £100 recently.

The Chief Scouts Award ceremony had had to change its venue at the last moment because of the ceiling falling in, and the Scouts were allowed the use of the Magistrates' Court building instead.

The hire fee for the town hall was not required, so it was decided to donate the sum to Devon Crimebeat to fund crime-prevention schemes in Devon involving young people.

The presentation of the cheque was made by Charlotte Finch and James Watson — both members of Tavistock Explorer Scouts — who are due to travel to the World Jamboree in Thailand later this year to represent Devon Scouts.

Former Tavistock policeman PC Simon Dell — who is now the Devon Crimebeat co-ordinator — received the cheque on behalf of the charity.

l Pictured are James Watson and Charlotte Finch presenting the cheque for £100 to PC Dell at the Tavistock Scout Hall.