A DONATION of almost £17,000 has been made to Help for Heroes by Tavistock's former Royal British Legion Social Club.

Members of the club chose to donate the large amount to the Help for Heroes Naval Service Recovery Centre in Plymouth to aid the charity's work in supporting wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans.

The social club, which closed to the public three years ago, has now officially wound up its finances and transferred the funds to Help for Heroes, alongside a donation to the Tavistock branch of the Royal British Legion to support the welfare of local ex-servicemen.

The money will help veterans, serving personnel and their families who use the recovery centre to develop a garden, where they can get to grips with nature, learn some outdoor skills, grow their own produce, or simply enjoy some peace and quiet.

Research from the University of Exeter in 2014 concluded that a 'green prescription' can deliver physiological and psychological benefits for patients. Horticultural therapy has been shown to reduce stress and help the body reach a more balanced state.

Pat Roxbee, former secretary and treasurer of the Tavistock Royal British Legion Social Club, said: 'I'm pleased to acknowledge receipt of the money after the final closure of the social club.

'The funds had to be transferred to a similar society with like-minded objectives and we are aware of a number of local ex-servicemen who will use the Help for Heroes Recovery Centre.

'We initially hoped to help with the building phase of the project but now the recovery centre is established we are happy for it to be used wherever Help for Heroes sees fit. A recovery garden sounds like a lovely idea.'

Jock Easton, general manager of Help for Heroes Plymouth Recovery Centre, said: 'We are very grateful for this kind donation from the former committee of the Tavistock Royal British Legion Social Club.

'We have been looking to develop a garden for our wounded, injured and sick serving and veteran personnel and their families so this support has come at the right time. We will now push forward with this project and will be making sure that anyone who's become wounded, injured or sick following their time in the Armed Forces knows that this amazing facility in the heart of the South West is here for them.'

Help for Heroes' Plymouth Recovery Centre helps serving sailors, Royal Marines, soldiers and Air Force personnel (as part of a partnership with the MOD) and veterans across the South West.

It offers support to anyone whose injuries or illnesses came as a result of their time in the Forces, even if they don't become apparent until after they leave. It also supports their close families.

For more information call 01752 562179 or email [email protected]">[email protected]