SIMON Ford, founder and organiser of the Chagstock Festival, has donated 50 festival tickets to the Okehampton Foodbank.

The foodbank will allocate the tickets, so that people feeling the strain of the recession have a day of fun and distraction to look forward to.

The festival is now in its fifth year, having started as a party in Simon's garden to re-unite with old school friends.

Each year Simon's party grew, and eventually he had the idea to turn the event into a public festival. After a year of hard work, the first public Chagstock took place in 2007.

Simon said: 'Okehampton people have had a difficult year with factories like Polestar and Robert Wiseman closing, and with Kerry Ingredient's looking to relocate in a few months, we thought a day out for people would be something they can look forward to, and we were happy to donate tickets.'

There will be 'food bins' around the Chagstock site, so that festival goers can donate food stuffs to the foodbank. All tinned and dry goods will be most welcome in the bins, which will be clearly marked.

Over the years the festival has attracted great international acts including Squeeze, the Hoosiers, and the Hot House Flowers.

The festival is now a staple of the local festival season, with the event's family-friendly atmosphere and welcoming vibe now attracting up to 5,000 visitors.

The Chagstock 2011 festival continues this tradition of quality acts, including the Magic Numbers, Show of Hands, Bellowhead, Three Daft Monkeys and the John Otway Big Band. The festival starts on July 22 and runs for three days. Parking and camping are free.

For more information and to buy tickets online visit http://www.chagstock.info">www.chagstock.info