SOLD out of tickets before the event, a West Devon community outdoor evening was a success, raising 'loads of money' for various charities.

This year's BereFest was blessed with sunshine as guests enjoyed music from local bands the Gruffnuts, Kitty and the Lost Boys, Vicious Kitten and the Rock 'N' Roll Outlaws as well as drinks, burgers and a hog roast.

Organisers of the event, BereCom, were thrilled with the £2,450 raised, which will be split between the groups that make up BereCom: Chatterbox Parents Group, Tiddlywinks Toddler Group and Bere Alston Regeneration Group. The groups will be given £500 each, and £500 will also be donated to Help for Heroes.

Julie Overnell, a member of BereCom, said: 'It was a really fantastic event, we raised loads of money. All the tickets sold out before the event, the weather was perfect, views spectacular, the refreshment tent ran out of burgers and hog roast, and the music from the four groups was brilliant.'

Unfortunately, the BereFest banner advertising the event was stolen on the evening. It cost the BereCom group £50 and was to be used each year. It was cut from the field gate at the end of the night.

Julie said: 'We would appreciate whoever took it to give it back so it can be used again. If anyone knows who has it, please spread the word — no questions will be asked and no further action will be taken. She asked for the banner to be returned to any committee member or to the Bere Alston village shop.

'A big thank you to all who supported and enjoyed the event, from the shops who sold the tickets, the individuals and groups who gave their expertise and equipment, and to the large army of helpers who gave their time.'

This year, BereCom has decided to donate a small amount of money to another Bere Peninsula group. If you would like to apply for this donation, please apply in writing to Julie Overnell at [email protected]">[email protected] or 01822 840452, stating a small description of your group, what you would spend the money on and what difference it would make to your group. The closing date for applications is August 31.