A SPLENDID sum for local charities was made by the volunteers of Tavistock Rotary Club last week, who manned a books and bric-a-brac stall and ?guess the weight of the gander? competition at the town?s Goose Fair.

The club raised almost £700 from the two events, with more than 700 guesses being registered for the goose competition, run with the help of Pennywell Farm which loaned four geese for customers to estimate their weight.

The eventual winner of the competition, who scooped a dressed duck for Christmas or £40, was Mr Emptage, of Bere Alston, who guessed the goose?s weight at 34lb 5oz.

Edwin Clark, Rotary president, said: ?I?m proud of our team of Rotarians for the way they worked together to make this fundraising event such a success ? and would like to thank the people of Tavistock for their generosity in donating goods to sell.?

Mr Clark said the club was also grateful to everyone who supported the stall and to Chris Murray of Pennywell for the loan of his geese.

?Local causes, along with Derriford?s HeartSWell and Children?s Hospice South West will benefit from this and other money we raise this year,? said Mr Clark.