MORE than £50,000 has been generated through the EX20 Lottery which celebrates its second anniversary this month.

The Okehampton-based lottery has helped many worthy causes through its community fund which makes up 40 per cent of the total funds generated.

Okehampton Mayor Christine Marsh, who instigated the lottery said: 'Over £20,000 has gone into community projects and we have just recently given another £5,000 to the New Okehampton Hospital Appeal and £1,000 to the Devon Air Ambulance.

The community fund focuses on project connected with health and leisure activities and youth organisations such as the scouts, guides, playgroups and army cadets have all benefitted.

Cllr Marsh said Okehampton Army Cadets played such a big part in the community in helping out with local events and on river clean-up days and so they were considered to be a worthy cause to receive a cheque for £750 for new tents.

'The tents will be shared with the air cadets which allows them to further their activities,' she said.

'There are so many good and worthwhile things going on for young people that we should be supporting them.'

The cadets have offered to promote the EX20 Lottery at the forthcoming Okehampton Carnival and any organisations which show the same commitment will be considered favourably for a grant.

Cllr Marsh said she was grateful to Lloyds Bank who had waived bank charges so the maximum money could go into the community.

The remainder of the cash goes out in prize money every week and the latest winner was B G Pedrick of Crediton Road, Okehampton who won £84.80.

Chris Hurley received £42.40 for second prize and Barry Gee and Margaret Davey won £10.60.