A GROUP of friends is calling on local people to join them to help raise a smile for Children's Hospice South West (CHSW).

CHSW's Yelverton Friends' Group is hosting a special event at Yelverton Church Hall on Tuesday, March 12 to raise awareness of the vital work of the charity and how you can get involved.

Kathy Howard, secretary of Children's Hospice South West's Yelverton Friends' Group, said: 'Children's Hospice South West has always enjoyed a very loyal and generous following in the Yelverton area and every year, for the last five years, we have raised nearly £20,000 to help Little Harbour.

'Sadly none of us is getting younger — we would love for some new members to join us to help with our fundraising efforts for this extremely worthy cause.'

Judy Pride, West Devon community fundraiser for CHSW, who will be attending the event, said: 'CHSW provides care and support for families facing the most unimaginable of circumstances — that their child isn't expected to reach adulthood. 

'As a charity we rely heavily on the kindness, generosity and support of local people to keep our services going.  The aim of our Friends' Groups is to raise awareness of our cause in their area, along with much-needed funds.

'From organising your own events to helping out at some of our bigger events, to attending cheque presentations or giving talks, there are many different ways in which you can get involved as a member of a Friends' Group, all of which can be extremely rewarding.

'Why not come along on the evening to find out more over a cup of coffee?'

Find out more at the CHSW Yelverton Friends' Group open evening at Yelverton Church Hall, 7.30pm on Tuesday, March 12. For further information about CHSW visit http://www.chsw.org.uk">www.chsw.org.uk or phone 01726 871800.