HUNDREDS of pounds have been raised to help Devon farming families in financial difficulty.

Holsworthy Market's Christmas poultry sale in December included auction lots of toy tractors and limited edition machinery to raise funds for farming charity the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI).

Pam Wills, RABI's regional manager, said she was delighted with the result of the event.

She said: 'Thanks to generous support from Hamblys, Claas Tractors and Kivells Auctioneers, as well as everyone who turned out in terrible weather and supported the auction, we raised more than £550.

'Some lucky children also had wonderful presents to open on Christmas Day.'