LEWTRENCHARD Manor opens its restaurant doors in aid of Children's Hospice South West and the charity's newest hospice, Little Harbour.

Organiser of the charity lunches and suppers, the Manor's head chef John Hooker, is hoping lots of people enjoy these special meals raising funds for such a worthy cause.

Offering 80% of produce home-grown in the walled garden of the old manor house, all cultivated in the old fashioned manner, diners will get to experience first hand just how tasty head chef John Hooker's menus are.

John said: 'I see these as a new chapter for Lewtrenchard Manor and just as Children's Hospice South West opens their new chapter, Little Harbour, I am delighted to host these lunches and evening meals on behalf of the charity and the outstanding work they do for families with life-limited children.'

All the money raised will go towards Little Harbour which opened to the first families with life-limited children in December and it will be a 'home from home' where families can make the most of the precious time they have together.

Judy Pride, community fundraiser for Children's Hospice South West thanks John and his staff for their support and to everyone who enjoys one of the charity meals and raises funds for Children's Hospice South West."

Throughout January and up to February 28 diners are invited to book their place at a four course charity lunch for the special price of £21.50 per person with £2 going to CHSW. Five course evening meals can be booked for £35 pp with £2.50 going to the charity. The meals can be enjoyed Monday to Friday.

To book call 01566 783 222 or visit http://www.lewtrenchard.co.uk">www.lewtrenchard.co.uk

CHSW have received a big cheque for £250 after a Tavistock man raised money by losing an impressive 24lbs.

Darren Heywood, who works at ATS garage in Tavistock, was looking for a challenge and wanted to help a local charity while improving his health. He was approached by health and fitness experts Matt Luxton from Blast Fitness Camps. and they decided to raise money for CHSW.

'Matt assured me,' said Darren, 'he had a results driven system of training guaranteed to make me healthier! The next step was to improve my fitness. He was right and the results have been phenomenal with increased motivation and decreased weight!'

His goal was to lose a stone in four weeks and raise some money into the bargain and following Matt's methods he was able to shed 24.5 lbs in that time. Most pleasing was the five inches off the waist.

Darren continues by saying a heartfelt thank you to everyone for their support and sponsorship, particularly the people of Tavistock, his mum who has been instrumental in helping his planning and keeping him going throughout, the ATS team — and a special thanks to Matt Luxton.