REPRESENTATIVES from West Devon charity CHICKS recently attended an exclusive garden reception at Number 10 Downing Street. The event was in celebration of the work charities are doing to support the armed forces community, made possible with grants administered from the Libor Fund. Guests were treated to a champagne reception, live music from a military band and a speech from Prime Minister David Cameron thanking them for their support and contribution. CHICKS chief executive Elanor Hoskin said: 'It was an honour to be invited to such a prestigious event and to have our work with service families recognised by the Prime Minister. 'CHICKS supports a range of disadvantaged children from across the UK and more recently has begun working with children who have been negatively affected by having a mother or father in the services. 'CHICKS gives these children a much needed break from the pressures, worries and responsibilities they may be facing at home and gives the chance to have fun, build self-confidence and make new friends.' The charity provides free respite breaks for disadvantaged children at their retreats in Brentor and Par in Cornwall. Earlier this year, they received more than £20,000 from the Armed Forces Covenant (LIBOR) fund to support children from services families. The Armed Forces Covenant Fund was established after the chancellor, George Osborne, transferred £35-million from the fine levied on the banks for attempting to manipulate the interest rate to the MOD for use in supporting the armed forces community. To find out more about CHICKS visit http://www.chicks.org.uk">www.chicks.org.uk or call 01822 811020.