CHAGFORD based Helpful Holidays has raised £13,776.91 in 2014 for the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), its nominated charity of the year.

The money was raised through the annual cricket match between Helpful Holidays and neighbouring Gidleigh Park Hotel and the generosity of Helpful Holidays' customers.

Moray Bowater and Helen Hayes, the managing director and PR manager of Helpful Holidays, met Monty Hall, the BBC wildlife presenter and marine biologist who avidly supports the MCS, at the Marina Hotel in Dartmouth to present the cheque.

Helen Hayes said: 'MCS do a fabulous job in drawing attention to the wonderful creatures living in our Westcountry waters. They also have a vital role in raising awareness of important issues affecting our coastline. Most of the money raised was through the generosity of holidaymakers who've booked with us and we'd like to express our sincere thanks for their generosity.'

Katherine Stephenson, for the Marine Conservation Society, said the support of Helpful Holidays would make such a difference to the conservation of the seas, shores and wildlife in the South West.