THE WEST Devon-based children's charity the Mary Budding Trust last week received a welcome boost from young organisations in Europe.

The mayor of Tavistock Cllr David Whitcomb received a cheque for 200 euro from Nolwen le Goff, on behalf of Pontivy Twinning Association.

The money was raised at a concert and fete held in Pontivy to celebrate Europe Day on May 11, involving some 20 clubs and youth organisations.

Nolwen, who is currently on an internship with the twinning association in conjunction with her studies, said: 'The aim of the Europe party was to collect money to give to a children's organisation in Tavistock and one in Pontivy — the aim is for solidarity between our countries. We also raised some money for countries in Africa.'

Tony Wates, one of the founders and a trustee of the Mary Budding charity, which supports children with special needs in West Devon, said: 'Isn't it wonderful that 20 organisations in Pontivy should raise money for a little children's charity like our's in Tavistock? It's fabulous.

'Europe Day is special in France, they like to celebrate it, and this is the second time that Pontivy has done something like this for us, so we are very grateful.'

Cllr Whitcomb said the donation was a wonderful gesture on the part of the young people of Tavistock's twin town.

'The Mary Budding Trust do fantastic work for young children and their families in the borough and it is a pleasure to receive this generous donation on their behalf,' he said.

Anyone who would like to learn more about the work of the Mary Budding Trust can visit a special information display, which will be exhibited in Tavistock Library next month.