PLANS to create a peaceful sanctuary area in Okehampton’s parish churchyard have edged closer with some major donations.

The Okehampton United Charity has donated £932 towards the project, Okehampton Town Council has provided £500 and Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council has given £350.

Karen Percival, clerk of Okehampton United Charity, is pictured presenting her charity’s cheque to project organiser David Back in the sanctuary area and former mayor Jan Goffey is pictured left presenting a cheque from the town council.

The words of a prayer have been inscribed on a wooden crown by a local craftsman, installed on an old tree stump in a natural clearing among the graves.

The next step will be to position four new seats around the stump, giving people a quiet place to sit and collect their thoughts.

Mr Back said they were now only £520 short of their £3,400 total, which has also been swelled by the proceeds of a bingo evening and several donations from individuals. He can be contacted by email at [email protected].