THE Tavistock Abbey Surgery Friends Group was officially launched in January this year after a number of patients decided they wanted to put something back in for all the care they received.

Chairman Caroline Day said the group had 'grown like Topsy'. Their first 'really serious' draw took place on Monday, April 8 at the surgery, performed by Dr John Evans. 2,000 tickets were sold, raising £500, and bringing the total raised so far to around £1,000.

The friends' first aim is to purchase a tympanometer for the practice, which costs around £2,500 and is used for the early diagnosis of glue ear in children.

They then hope to raise money for a PA system for the surgery reception area.

l Pictured at the draw are Dr John Evans, chairman Caroline Day and vice-chairman and draw promoter Lillian Collins. Pic: Ian Snell