A LOCAL voluntary welfare organisation has donated a large amount to valuable community groups in Chagford.

The Exeter West Lions Club made the presentations at Endecott House on Thursday March 3, after a successful fundraising bonfire night in November.

Several members of the Exeter West club are former members of Chagford Lions, which closed in June 1998.

The club made a number of generous cheque presentations, of which the most significant was a £300 donation to Chagford Health Centre towards the cost of a Cardiocall heart monitor.

A cheque for £100 was presented to the Chagford Conservation Group for new tools and general expenses, in order to keep the history of the town alive.

Two members of Chagford Fire and Rescue Service gratefully accepted a cheque for £100 towards the cost of equipment for the town's vital rapid response vehicle.

Young carers in Okehampton and the South Hams will also benefit from the Lions' fundraising efforts, after a £100 donation was given to Throwleigh Women's Institute to be passed on to their charity for the year.

A final cheque for £100 was given to local youngster Brennen Townsend to help him pursue his dreams of becoming a world class professional cyclist.

The evening featured a video and presentation on the Lions Club, as well as a history of Chagford Lions Club.

The evening also saw the Chagford president's chain of office to Chagford Local History Society to be preserved for future generations.