MOTHERS of serving personnel held a successful charity auction in Bere Alston to raise money for a charity close to their hearts.

The group of mothers organised the event to raise money for Help for Heroes, and the auction, which was overseen by guest auctioneer Wendy Alexander of Westcountry Property Auctions, saw them collect almost £1,000.

One of the organisers of the auction held in Bere Alston Parish Hall, Julie Marks, said: 'The mums and close friends of serving personnel would like to say a big thank you to all who came to support the event and made the evening very enjoyable.'

Julie said the auction was very well supported: 'Geoffrey Cox, the MP for West Devon and Torridge, very kindly supported us donating a bottle of whiskey from Westminster, the Edgecumbe Arms from the village supplied the bar, accompanied by refreshments donated by Ginsters.

'During the evening people were able to see photos of soldiers in action, their surroundings, in Iraq, Kosovo and Afghanistan, that were kindly printed by Dartmoor Photographic. There were also written testimonies by soldiers and a Royal Marine Corporal in dress uniform came along answering questions and recalling his experiences, said Julie.'

The organisers expressed thanks to everyone who donated 'lots' for the auction.

Julie added: 'It was all very much appreciated. The next fundraising event for community groups and again for Help for Heroes will be BereFest on June 19 — a family evening with three bands, a beer tent, hog roast and BBQ.'