A CHARITY dinner and auction is being hosted by the Belstone Group of Friends of the Children's Hospice South West next month at Jethro's Restaurant in Lewdown.

The event will take place on October 22 at 7pm to raise money for the North Devon Hospice. The many items for auction include theatre and sports tickets, entrance to a range of Devon attractions, short breaks and flights, plus a variety of other larger and smaller items. Tickets are £15 to include carvery, dessert and coffee and are available from Angela and Peter Hammond 01837 840234. Parties will be accommodated in tables of eight.

The Children's Hospice South West provides respite care and support for the families of children with a life-limiting illness and is the only such organisation in the South West.

Only 5% of its funding comes from statutory services — the rest from the generosity of the people of the South West. There are hospices at Little Bridge House in North Devon and Charlton Farm near Bristol — building is under way on the much-needed third hospice.