A CHARITY based in Okehampton is to hold a series of fundraisers to help it carry out vital work at an orphanage in Bulgaria for children with special needs.

In May a team from the House of Rachel charity went to Krivnya Orphanage to do vital renovation work. Upon arrival, they discovered the orphanage was threatened with closure if it failed an upcoming inspection.

The team's hard work on ceilings, toilets, bedrooms, windows, flooring and lighting ensured the orphanage passed the inspection.

However, the team is planning to return to Krivnya in 2014 to carry out further crucial work at the orphanage. To ensure that can happen, it is now on a big fundraising drive.

The first event is a charity auction at the Red Lion in Exbourne on Saturday, October 5. Starting at 8pm, lots include a one-hour flight around Devon, rounds of golf, two gas-hobs, meal vouchers, a portrait voucher and more.

On Saturday Novembr 16, teams from local churches and church group will battle it out in an inter-church quiz at Okehampton Baptist Church.

A team of five will tackle a triathlon on Sunday, November 24, including Neil Sproats and Dr Rob Kelly, of Okehampton College, Adam Woolnough from Holsworthy College, charity founder Andrew Morgan and Abby Sproats.

For any further information on these events, call into OK Leisure on Fore Street, call Andrew Morgan at the shop on 01837 52725 or visit http://www.houseofrachel.org">www.houseofrachel.org