PATIENTS at St Luke's Hospice are thankful for the support given to them by members of Tavistock Ladies' Gardening Club.

The green-fingered ladies raised £275 for St Luke's and invited the charity's community fundraiser, Debbie Sweet, along to the Jubilee Hall in Pixon Lane, Tavistock, last week to present her with a cheque.

Debbie said: 'The money will go towards providing care for our patients both at the hospice and in the community. We are so grateful to the ladies.'

The ladies raised the money through a bring and buy sale and proceeds from a coin jar.

The club has supported various local charities over the years, including Dogs for the Deaf, Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Macular Degeneration Society.

It has more than 100 members who enjoy a friendly and sociable time together. Among their many activities are guest speakers and visits to private gardens. The ladies will soon be enjoying a belated 'Christmas' meal at Betty Cottles Inn near Okehampton.

The club meets at the Jubilee Hall (the Scout Hut) at Pixon Lane on the second Wednesday of each month. Any ladies who would like to join can contact membership secretary Lisa Brumby on 01822 854922.